PEOPLE in Powys parking on yellow lines can still face a fine if caught.

This was revealed as part of a response by Powys County Council’s (PCC) environment portfolio holder, Cllr Heulwen Hulme,  to a request that car parking charges be suspended during the coronavirus pandemic.

PCC’s car parks continue to operate as normal during the pandemic and are seen by the council as an essential funding stream.

Using the questions at anytime protocol, Cllr Iain McIntosh (Conservative – Yscir) asked for the charges to be suspended.

Cllr McIntosh said:  “During this pandemic period many people are following government advice and staying at home.

“Unfortunately, in some parts of Powys, this has resulted in many streets and residential roads becoming congested.”

Cllr McIntosh believed that people parked in residential areas to avoid using car parks and paying for parking while their cars are unused.

He added that congestion could affect key workers such as medics, carers and emergency services.

Cllr McIntosh added: “If implemented, this will also reduce the risk of virus transmission through the use of car park ticket machines.”

Cllr Hulme (Independent – Rhiwcynon) answered: “It is acknowledged that people staying at home may put pressure on on-street parking, however it is not expected to be much different than a normal evening or weekend when most people are at home.

“Whatever the situation, people should still park responsibly and in accordance with the Highway Code.”

” However, if there are areas where people are parking illegally, contravening the parking restrictions such as double yellow lines, then this can be brought to the attention of our parking team who can deploy the Enforcement Officers to target that parking. ”

She added that PCC could not consider “relaxing” car parking charges because of the need to “maintain income.”

Cllr Hulme added that if obstructions or dangers had been noted in areas out of PCC’s control the Police would be informed.