A CALL has been made for an end to a crackdown on evening parking in Ludlow.

The town’s three members of Shropshire Council are concerned that what they claim has been a concerted effort to target illegally parked motorists is damaging the economy of the town.

Since the beginning of July, more than 100 fixed penalty notices have been issued in Ludlow town centre.

But Andy Boddington, Vivienne Parry and Tracey Huffer say that the move is hitting people who have parked in the same place for many years without penalty.

They also fear that it is damaging the fragile town centre economy.

“This has been a tough year for Ludlow,” said Tracey Huffer.

"We have had Ludford Bridge closed for months. Now we have this heavy-handed operation to fine people for parking in places where they have been parking for years. We need to keep this town alive in the evenings.

“Shropshire Council should be working hand in hand with Ludlow Town Council and the Chamber of Trade to promote Ludlow’s economy.”

The three Liberal Democrat Councillors say that they support action against motorists who block access or park dangerously but want the general crackdown put on hold until there has been a consultation and information campaign.

They believe that signage needs to be improved so people know where they can park and say that in some places the lighting needs to be improved.

“In the last few months, Shropshire Council has issued hundreds of tickets to people who have parked in the town centre after 6pm,” said Vivienne Parry.

“We were expecting a crackdown on vehicles that are parked badly.

“But no one knew that Shropshire Council was planning to crackdown on every minor infringement and issue so many fines.”

Andy Boddington said that the action against illegal parking was being taken with a proper understanding of the issues facing the town.

“This is Shropshire Council at its most frustrating,” he said.

“It is just issuing fines without trying to get any local understanding on what is going on Ludlow and what the problems are.

“At the council’s instigation, we set up a transport forum, In and Out of Ludlow (IOL), a year-and-a-half ago.

“But Shropshire Council decided to proceed without discussions with IOL or Ludlow Town Council.

“The council claims to be working in collaboration with town and parish councils.

“But when it comes to parking, Shropshire Council has shown that it is not interested in talking to anyone. This is the same old arrogant Shirehall, doing what it wants regardless of the local consequences.”

Mal Price, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning, housing and regulatory services, said: “The enforcement of evening and night-time parking restrictions in Ludlow since July has led to a fall in illegal and indiscriminate parking in the town.

“Since July 5, Shropshire Council’s civil enforcement officers (CEOs) have been issuing penalty charge notices (PCNs) to drivers who park in contravention of the town’s parking restrictions during evening hours.

“A representative from the parking enforcement team has held a constructive meeting with local Shropshire Councillors Andy Boddington and Viv Parry to discuss the position, and to explain the proportionate action that has and is being taken to address identified parking problems. Officers will continue to work with the local councillors to ensure any parking enforcement is undertaken in line with the council’s Better Regulation and Enforcement Policy.

“On July 5, CEOs issued 49 PCNs with 31 of these relating to infringements after 6pm. On August 9, 25 PCNs were issued with 19 of these being after 6pm. This is nearly a 40% fall in the number issued which demonstrates that the approach, while unpopular for some, is working.”