In the Daily Post today (Wednesday) we tell the story of Paula Maguire, an expectant mum of twins who popped into Mostyn Street in Llandudno yesterday morning to pay a bill. She's 33 weeks pregnant and is, I hope she doesn't mind me saying, visibly pregnant. In fact, she'll have to stop driving soon as her mummy tum is up to the steering wheel.
Parking is a bit of a struggle but she managed to make it into a space after a few goes. Well she nearly did...one of the wheels was just an inch over the white line.
But while she nipped into Lloyd's one of Conwy Borough Council's traffic wardens spotted his chance and slapped on a £30 ticket for this shocking misdemeanour. Despite pregnant Paula's protestations the jobsworth was having none of it and told her she could appeal.
When we approached Conwy Council, they did the same...and we quoted them saying this today.
On the way to work this morning I had what I thought was a bright idea which I put to my deputy Gregg Fray. We decided to approach Conwy Council, to say: Why not take the chance for a bit of positive PR. Let's say we approached you for some clemency, you tear up the ticket without Paula having to go through the appeal, we'll agree it's a one-off special case, you can carry on booking people left, right and centre - you look good, we look good, Paula's happy, job's a good 'un.
And their response.
An absolute no. We can't possibly make exceptions, the due process of appeal must be followed, blah, blah, blah, blah.
How pathetic.
You know, I'm getting sick and tired of local authorities using parking tickets as a cash cow, regardless of the consequences. Since Conwy Council crammed our streets with wardens last year, shopkeepers across the county have complained how they've lost customers who used to park up and nip in for a few bits and bobs.
No doubt the council will claim it's all to do with safety. What a load of bull, I don't recall endless processions of car crashes and ambulances being trapped on their way to hospital before these new rules came in.
So the Daiy Post is now going to have a thorough look at just how much money councils across North Wales are trousering through this relentless war on drivers - both locals and tourists - and to see just what damage it is doing to the region's economic health.
So thanks Conwy Borough Council for winding me up...it's given me the idea for a much better story.
