Councillors fears over parking in Cusop, Hay on Wye

Gareth Ratcliffe, who represents Hay, and Joe Emmett, the local councillor for Cusop, have raised concerns about road safety risks near the Co-op and Huws Grey in the Cusop area, near Hay-on-Wye.

They say the issue has been growing for several years but has recently become much worse, particularly during busy weekends and local events, and there is an increasing number of vehicles parking along the road where there are no restrictions in place.

The councillors claim that the vehicles are reducing visibility and making it difficult for traffic to pass safely, and they say the vehicles are now also affecting pedestrians, with cars being parked on pavements, and forcing people, including those with pushchairs, to walk into the carriageway to get past.

"This has been an ongoing problem for several years, but what we have seen over the last couple of weekends has taken the situation to another level," coun Emmett said.

"We are now seeing vehicles parked in ways that create genuine safety concerns for both drivers and pedestrians.

"When people with pushchairs are being forced into the road because vehicles are blocking the pavement, we have to ask whether it is only a matter of time before somebody is seriously injured.

"This isn't simply about parking being inconvenient.

"It is about keeping the road and pavements safe and ensuring that residents, visitors, businesses, and emergency services can move through the area safely."

The councillors believe the problem is being made worse by the lack of parking restrictions on the Herefordshire side of the border.

With restrictions already in place around Hay-on-Wye, they say drivers may be choosing to park on the Herefordshire side of the border to avoid restricted areas and parking charges.

Coun Ratcliffe said: "The impact on Cusop residents and businesses is becoming increasingly noticeable.

"We want people to be able to visit the local shops and businesses, but parking needs to be managed in a way that doesn't create hazards for everyone else.

"We are particularly concerned about the impact on pedestrians and the ability of larger vehicles and emergency services to get through safely.

"We don't want to wait for a serious accident to happen before something is done.

"There is an opportunity now to look at the problem properly and put appropriate measures in place."

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said they are aware of the concerns that have been raised, and the council has been working with the local parish council on the matter for “some time” and progressing a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for double yellow lines.

“The proposal is currently progressing through the statutory TRO process and will be going out to public consultation in the near future. Traffic Regulation Orders are subject to a legal process, including consultation and consideration of any representations received, and we cannot introduce or enforce restrictions until that process has been completed.

"We remain committed to working with local communities and stakeholders to find an appropriate solution and will continue to engage with the parish council as the process moves forward."