Calls for parking enforcement to be stepped up in Ongar have gone out ahead of a district council report on the decriminalisation of parking being presented tonight.

High Street traders are insisting more patrols are needed to police the stretch of free shoppers' parking spaces in the centre of town.

Motorists are currently limited to a legal stay of one hour, with the potential for offenders to receive a £60 fine from Epping Forest District Council's nine-strong team of parking attendants.

But nearly three weeks on from the start of the new enforcement regime - which replaced police traffic wardens - traders are complaining that the new attendants are rarely to be seen.

Everyday Shoes proprietor David Peacock said: "I'm just concerned to see that the free parking spaces are being monitored on a daily basis."

He added: "It's early days yet, and obviously they are getting a few teething troubles, but I don't think there are any attendants dedicated to Ongar alone."

Mr Peacock was backed by Ongar district and parish councillor, Keith Wright, who said concern remained that that the system of free spaces is continuing to be abused.

He said: "It clearly states that parking is restricted to a one-hour stay. Those motorists that are parking there all day are being inconsiderate."

Published Thursday October 17, 2002

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