One reason the Sunday Times judged Rhuthun/Ruthin the best place to live in Wales was because it is encircled by hills. The trouble with being the best is that you set yourself up for a fall.
News via the Denbighshire Free Press comes of Padeswood resident Paul Carter who went to Moel Famau this week but discovered there were double yellow lines all over the shop. He was angry. It was 'absolutely disgraceful'. He had to pay £2 for the car park. He was joined in condemnation by others.
So, let's unpick this tricky situation.
Wonky double yellow lines...
- Mr Carter has been parking near the verge to avoid the parking fee. In a sense, he's got away with it. Fair enough. We'd all do that but...
- He has contributed nothing directly to the upkeep of the area. His council tax, even in Flintshire, does, though. Then again, I contribute through my tax to Denbighshire Leisure but I won't be using the Sun Centre 2, Rhyl.
- He and others cause parking chaos at busy periods. The road is, in fact, a lane. The chaos affects visitors and residents alike. It detracts from the area. It doesn't encourage repeat visits.
- Denbighshire has long-published a strategy to manage parking at the sites (well, since the health emergency). There was consultation during autumn 2021 (however sceptical you may be about *that*). This to try to mitigate the issues the area faces, to the benefit of all concerned.
- In September 2022, NRW introduced an automatic exit charge at its car park. Charges are £2 for three hours and increase thereafter by 40p per half hour to £5 maximum. There is an alternative: the recently extended Denbighshire car park at Moel Famau charges £2 per day (up this month from £1.50). All fees collected, whether by NRW or DCC, contribute to the area.
- Visitors expect to pay for parking. Residents never do.
'I always parked on the roadside as I can't afford the car park'
No one likes to pay for parking. No one would pay if there were alternatives. Perhaps Becky and Mr Carter would prefer an entrance fee to access the countryside. But, most importantly, if Becky cannot afford the parking, how is she managing to run a car?