I THANK Alan Chandney for his letter last week, and he makes the point that parking is a long term issue. This is very true, and in fact the various options for the Market Place parking will be discussed at further consultations towards the final part of

I THANK Alan Chandney for his letter last week, and he makes the point that parking is a long term issue.

This is very true, and in fact the various options for the Market Place parking will be discussed at further consultations towards the final part of 2009.

There are two areas of enforcement one is the inner area (the market stall

zone) which comes under an "Off Street Parking Places Order" (OSPPO) and the road around the outside is a "Traffic Regulations Order". (TRO).

Pc Adam McCluskey and I issued 20 Fixed Penalty Notices during one very busy Saturday shift.

These were issued to vehicles parked illegally in the Crescent, Market Place, Hill Street, and the double yellow lines in Blackfriars Road.

The police are researching some enforcement issues with the central area shown in the 2008, photograph, which is owned by Fenland District Council, while we will carry out enforcement of the outer TRO, by spot unannounced patrols.

We have been conducting spot checks of Blue Badge Holders by checking that the person is actually with the vehicle, and it's not being used by someone else.

The policing team cannot be in the Market Place 100 per cent of their time, as we have other duties, and commitments which involve, calls for service, supporting the excellent system of an appointments as per the policing pledge, dealing with local crime, and assisting with the capture of 2,100 offenders since January 1, 2009.

We are not perfect, and neither is the set out and structures of the pedestrianised zone, and the central Fenland District Council owned Market Place area.

There are also those, inconsiderate, and lazy people who decide to risk a parking fine, rather than use one of the many "free" and convenient local parking spaces, and walk to the shops.

I would be very pleased to meet up with Alan, and discuss the issues he has raised, and perhaps put the police perspective?

DAVE BAX

Sergeant Waterlees and Clarkson Neighbourhood Team