A parking firm has applied for planning permission for the installation of Automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and warning signs at The Range and Next car parks on Caernarfon Road in Bangor, although the work has already been carried out.
The signs, belonging to UK Parking Control Ltd (UKPC), warn motorists that if they exceed the maximum stay of three hours they will face a fine of £100. Signs now also cover the car park adjacent to Next, ANPR cameras are located at the entrance to the car parks. The new restrictions will also prohibit parking on the site between 10pm – 8am and owners of vehicles leaving their parked cars to visit other sites may also receive fines.
According to the planning application the work was completed on 3 November 2020. Several people have already received fines from the parking company, which is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
An investigation was launched by Gwynedd Council earlier this year as to whether planning permission was required, the company was also criticised because the signs were only written English and not the Welsh language.
The council concluded that it would not be investigating any further because the signs “do not have a detrimental effect on the visual amenities of the surrounding area” and “do not have a detrimental impact on the safety of highway users”.
A report from the Local Highway Authority (Transport and Countryside Service) had no objection to the development as it was not considered to have an adverse effect on any highway and the signs were located on private land.
Welsh language signs have now been added at the site.
The planning application will be considered over the coming weeks.
Photos: (1) The Range Car Park (2) Location of the parking signs and ANPR cameras (3) New parking sign with restrictions
