The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Market traders in Long Sutton are fed-up with people parking in restricted bays on market day and stopping them from setting up for business.
On-street parking restrictions in Long Sutton state that on market day (Fridays), the bays must be kept clear from 7am to 10am.
Despite this, a market trader contacted The Voice on behalf of the traders to say that every Friday, stallholders have to try to track down the owners of cars and ask them to move so they can set up their stalls.
“The signs aren’t clear enough and the restrictions aren’t enforced,” said the trader, who wished to remain anonymous.
“The impression among everyone here is that the council is not enforcing the restrictions because they don’t care,” he said.
Roger Gambba-Jones, South Holland District Council Portfolio Holder for Place, said the district council will always inform the county council of any parking infringements.
He said: “Long Sutton has a well-established and successful street market, that has taken place on the same day for many years now.
“Only Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) has enforcement powers when it comes to street parking.
“South Holland District Council has to rely on signage regarding the street market, along with the knowledge of local drivers, in order to ensure that these parking spaces remain clear on market days.
“Where vehicles are found to be obstructing operation of the market, our staff will contact LCC for assistance.”
The trader said that a common problem as visitors staying at nearby hotels and B&Bs parking in the bays during their stay in the town overnight.
“We want ticket people to be there every morning,” he said.
Matt Jones, parking services manager at Lincoln County Council said patrols are still taking place and tickets have been issued: “There is a no waiting order covering the market place on Friday mornings, which is in force from 7am to 10am.
“The area is patrolled by our wardens and anyone breaking the rules runs the risks of getting a ticket. In the past year, four tickets have been issued here on a Friday.”
