Extra traffic wardens could come to Limerick suburbs

MORE traffic wardens could be introduced to police estates in Limerick suburbs, it has been revealed.

Limerick City and County Council has said it will investigate the employment of “additional resources” to inspect cars parked illegally, after Labour member Elena Secas saw a notice of motion passed at this month’s metropolitan meeting.

She called on the local authority to appoint a full-time traffic warden especially for the housing estates surrounding University of Limerick (UL) to tackle the parking issues.

At the moment, Cllr Secas says, many people park on footpaths, in many cases, obstructing the entrance and exits of their neighbours who have drives.

“This is not a new issue, it is a problem that has been discussed in this chamber many times so it is time for us to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk by appointing a full time traffic warden for the housing estates in order to tackle dangerous and illegal parking,” she said.

The City East councillor said the local authority owes it to local residents.

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“We invest our resources in repairing footpaths, maintaining green verges, installing sign poles, so we spend our resources and effort only for these to be wasted or ruined by illegal reckless parking,” she added.

Her motion was seconded by Cllr Joe Pond, Fianna Fail, who said: “We are wasting money repairing footpaths when they just park on them again. They don't just park on footpaths, they park on green areas, and where we put down double yellow lines.

Without a traffic warden out there, we are just wasting money.”

Metropolitan leader, Cllr Olivia O’Sullivan called for focus to also be put on the estates around the Technological University of the Shannon, where she says its residents are experiencing similar issues.

Liam Browne of Limerick Council’s roads, traffic and cleansing department said it will examine the possibility of providing “additional resources for outside the city centre as needs arise.

There was some opposition to the call to increase warden numbers. But Cllr Secas added: “If anyone is not in favour of traffic wardens in these estates, I recommend they go there and spend one day and see what's happening there."