THE number of vehicles parking on pavements in the Bymbo area has increased, it is claimed - and residents are not happy!

Pedestrians, including those who are more vulnerable with prams and wheelchair users, are growing tired of vehicles obstructing pavements. 

The ongoing issue is forcing those walking to step out into the road in order to continue their journey, ultimately putting their safety at risk.  

Brymbo resident, Tasha Griffiths, expressed her frustration over the matter on a public community facebook page, generating a similar response from others.

She said: "Lots of us are having to go around multiple cars in a row because people insist on taking up the entire path!

"It's not fair and happens constantly on the newer estate in Brymbo."

Stelle Howell agreed and said: "The amount of parked cars in Pentre Broughton turn it into an assault course. Even driving through is difficult - having to continuously stop to give way."

Louse Hobbs responded with, "I would agree, but a one way street that has become two way means homeowner cars have no choice but to park on pavements."

Parked vehicles on pavements are a hazard to pedestrians by causing an obstruction which may put them at risk by stepping out into the road.

In Wales, it is not illegal to park on the pavement, unless the vehicle is causing an obstruction which becomes an offence the police can enforce.

On Wrexham Council's website, it states: "Fixed penalty notices can be issued by the police to drivers whose vehicles are obstructing the streets. All other parking, loading and waiting offences are dealt with by our (Wrexham Council’s) enforcement officers."

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David Jones said: "I haven't got a car but I do feel sorry for young mothers and wheelchair users. The problem lies when they built these houses and roads in villages when there were not many cars around."

Drivers are encouraged to find a secure designated place to park that will not cause obstruction to pedestrians unable to get by. 

The Leader reported earlier this year that the Welsh Government is looking to clamp down on pavement parking. 

In 2020, the Welsh Government received a report from the Welsh Pavement Parking Taskforce on the issue.

It rejected an outright ban on pavement parking but recommended that councils are given additional powers to tackle problem areas. The Welsh Government said it was moving ahead with consulting on those extra powers being given to local authorities.

However, in April, deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters, said the consultation has been postponed until next year. 

"I recognise that we are asking a lot of hard-pressed local authorities at what continues to be a difficult time," he said.

"I have listened to the feedback from leaders and decided to delay the consultation on pavement parking until next year. This will enable local authorities to focus on the implementation and introduction of default 20mph speed limits in September 2023 and the work to prepare for bus franchising."