a bus stop
The bus stop at Primrose Court in Ty Canol

A COUNCIL has defended spending £68,000 on signs stating no parking is allowed at bus stops despite it being stated in the highway code. 

Torfaen Borough Council has put the signs on posts at bus stops across the borough ahead of it putting a camera equipped car out on patrol later this year to capture parking violations on camera and issue fines to offenders. 

At the council’s July meeting resident Lesley Gwilym submitted a public question to ask why the council has spent more than £68,000 on the signs at bus stops despite the highway code being clear vehicles cannot stop or park at bus stops. 

“What was the point of installing these signs when these bus stops are clearly marked in yellow on the road surface? This £68,000 could have been spent on something much more worthwhile.” 

Councillor Mandy Owen, the Labour cabinet member responsible for highways, said a review of bus stops had revealed a “significant number” required upgrading before enforcement is undertaken which included new signs “as required by the Department of Transport, which must be displayed in a prominent position hence the signs being erected on posts.” 

The Cwmbran Greenmeadow member said use of the camera car, expected to come into service in the autumn, will make enforcement of bus stops, school ‘keep clear’ markings and other restrictions more efficient and “will hopefully encourage our motorists to park in a safe location and hopefully follow the highway code. 

“I want to be clear we are not making money from parking fines want to encourage considerate behaviour from motorists.” 

Cllr Owen didn’t dispute the £68,000 figure quoted in the question.