ALTHOUGH I sympathise with traders in South Street, Dorchester concerning vehicles driving in the pedestrian only section of the road, the situation is far worse in Weymouth.
Ever since some bright spark decided to stop closing the barriers at the entrance to St Mary Street and St Thomas Street, it is now a daily occurrence to see cars, vans and large trucks driving and parking in these so-called pedestrian-only roads.
Of course if you try to explain to the drivers that they are not allowed there you normally receive a load of abuse or a feeble excuse.
One driver even said to me: "Oh it's ok to drive here now because they don't close the barriers".
He obviously was unable to read the large notice which prohibits vehicles between 1030am and 5.30pm.
However I do think the existing notice is very misleading and could be interpreted in a variety of ways. It requires a new notice which should simply state: "No motor vehicles allowed between 1030am and 5.30pm (except for emergency vehicles)".
The present situation cannot continue as before long someone will inevitably be injured or killed, leading to possible legal action against the council.
I would have thought it would only take a couple of minutes for a parking attendant to close the barriers each day.
So come on council: Either close the barriers or open the roads to all traffic. You cannot have it both ways as at present the position is neither one thing or the other.
David Chalk
Puddledock Lane
Weymouth
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