POLICE in March and the surrounding area have been focusing on road issues, as requested by the community. This was one of the priorities set at the last March and District safer neighbourhood panel meeting at which residents are able to shape policing in

POLICE in March and the surrounding area have been focusing on road issues, as requested by the community.

This was one of the priorities set at the last March and District safer neighbourhood panel meeting at which residents are able to shape policing in their area.

Since August 1, members of the team have conducted 28 high visibility patrols focusing on parking issues in the town centre, Elwyn Road, St Peters Road and County Road, as well as a number of other locations.

These patrols have resulted in:

- 27 fixed penalty notices issued to drivers for parking illegally

- 12 speed enforcement checks conducted at locations including Elm Road, Creek Road and Gaul Road resulting in an endorsable fixed penalty notice being issued for speeding.

Sergeant Alan Boughen said: "When conducting speed checks we have noticed that drivers are not necessarily driving in excess of the speed limit, but driving at a speed which is inappropriate to the location.

This may be due to the number of parked vehicles, weather conditions or pedestrians present.

"I would like to remind drivers that speed limits are the maximum speed at which vehicles can be driven lawfully on the road but that does not always mean it is safe to drive at that speed.

"It is the driver's responsibility to park safely and lawfully. Those using disabled badges must have them displayed, park without causing an obstruction and they must only be used when the named permit holder is using and leaving the vehicle.