Thursday, May 7, 2009

P'd off....

Couldn't help but notice that the Civil Enforcement Officers (that's traffic wardens to you and me) now have cars to take them to and from their patch. The cars (photo to follow soon hopefully) have a big blue "P" on the side. Is this P for Parking, are they a mobile car park? Can we park in front or on top of the Parking Attendant Mobile? Will they soon just issue tickets from the dry comfort of their luxury Berlingos? They've probably got the technology so it might not be long. Possibly a little bit extravagant with our community charge money in these hard times; afterall walking to and from their territory has always sufficed before. Many of us wish they would all just P off...

8 comments:

Sunny_Tonny said...

A very tenuous link here from traffic wardens to traffic in general, but did anyone else see the letter in the courier about getting a petition going to stop cars in the high street at weekends between 10-4? Personally I think it's a great idea and would really improve the atmosphere of the town. Anyone interested in signing the petition should email her on flongs@btinternet.com

The Blog said...

Only if it is for trial period. Surely many local businesses rely on customers using town centre car parks or stopping in the high street(illegally, of course). We shouldn't give people yet another reason to drive round Tonbridge on their way to Tunbridge Wells, at least at the moment many people drive through. Such plans would be unecessary if there was a real, forward looking comittment to develop the High Street / River bank and attract retailers. People will shop anywhere if there is there is a mix of quality shops in a pleasant environment. Cars or no cars, what is the attraction of all those discount shops with the obligatory topless chav loitering ?

Anonymous said...

It would be a wasted effort unless the High Street was revamped and more interesting and diverse retailers moved in.
I agree it would just mean just another 10 minutes to Tunbridge Wells where it's easy to park.
However I do believe that moving the market else where and back to the historic centre would make a massive difference. It's gridlock up that end on Saturdays.

Anonymous said...

Some good discussion here - how about combining the suggestions - close the high street and let the market take place along it, like they do in French towns. It could also extend down the south bank of the Medway up Botany etc. I went to the market today and there are still some good stalls there depite the dismal location. And don't knock the cheap shops too much, in the current climate they are popular and at lest the High Street is busy - compare it to Sevenoaks which is pretty lifeless at times. Add in a street market and it could really thrive.

Anonymous said...

Good idea about having a street market in the High Street - great.

Anonymous said...

I agree with a High Street market maybe on a Sunday morning and it would bring in trade for those who wish to open on that day too - perhaps the old Woolworth's building could serve as an indoor fruit and veg/food type market on a daily basis. That would be great.
Tonbridge Market is set in a dismal location especially if it is wet and windy. Having spoken to the stallholders about it they don't like the situation at all. Some of the stalls are dreadful but I agree amongst them are some good ones i.e. the cheese stall, the new italian stall, bread and vegetables are also good. The man who sells bin liners etc is valuble to have around and so is the guy who sells household bits and pieces.

Maybe a new location would attract a more interesting array of stallholders.

I disagree with the cheap shops though - there are really too many of them and lots just sell tat. But, they have their place too.

Loads of good ideas are here so I hope someone in the know is reading.

Sunny_Tonny said...

Exactly - the market could move to the high street maybe even a nice Christmas market in the winter....I really think it would improve the atmosphere. At the moment the pavements are too narrow and walking down the high street on a saturday is not always a relaxing experience!

Anonymous said...

Blog seems to have a hatred of these people, maybe since he got nicked, as he reported, for parking on a double yellow some while ago. "Only there for a few minutes", they all cry plaintively, as if that's ok then. They're not painted on for fun or decoration; parking there would create a hazard or blockage, and put others at risk.I've seen many examples.
Drive thro Tonbridge most nights between 7 and 8 and you'll see 2 or 3 cars parked on double yellows outside McDonalds. Plenty of nearby car parks, all free at this time, yet these selfish people clog up the road and restrict a driver's viewpoint.
If you get nicked, when you are obviously clearly and knowingly in the wrong, just put your hands up, pay up, and don't whine about it.