TRAFFIC wardens patrolling Ammanford streets have experienced hostile behaviour from motorists, a traffic chief has revealed.

County traffic manager John McEvoy made this disclosure in an email to residents of Brynmawr Avenue who say they regularly experience problems with inconsiderate motorists who park outside their homes.

“The double yellow lines on the sharp bend on Brynmor Avenue will be introduced using an experimental order,” he said. “The order has been made.”

Mr McEvoy also revealed the introduction of a residents’ parking scheme on the part of Church Street between the junction of Brynmawr Avenue and Margaret Harries and I have visited all properties along this section of Church Street to gauge the views of the property occupants,” he said.

“All those to whom we spoke did not oppose the introduction of the residents’ parking scheme.”

Mr McEvoy said plans for parking bays were also being drawn up.

He added: “The timeline to make a new regulation order is approximately six months, given the statutory requirement to hold a two- stage consultation and consider objections.

With regards to the enforcement of the existing parking controls, we will deploy a pair of civil enforcement officers to conduct patrols on this street.

“A civil enforcement officer has experienced hostile behaviour when patrolling the street.”

Cllr Harries told the Guardian the long-awaited traffic scheme had been delayed by the fact more residents had come forward wishing the areas around their homes to be included.

“It was only last week this was agreed,” he said. “I’d asked for something to be done over a year ago.

He also suggested such parking issues would not even arise if parking fees in Ammanford were lower.

“I’ve no doubt people would be using official car parks and not leaving their vehicles all over the place,” he said.

“Instead the charges are going up another 20p in January which is completely crazy – the last thing this town needs is an increase in parking charges.

“Parking charges have effectively destroyed Ammanford – and a rise of 20p will just be another nail in the coffin.

“Parking in Ammanford may be cheap compared to other places, but we just don’t have as much as other towns.”