New traffic order to tackle illegal parking at Maesteg Bus Station

Bridgend County Borough Council is introducing a new, temporary traffic order at Maesteg bus station to address safety concerns reported by public transport providers.

It follows a decision by First Cymru Buses Limited to remove their buses from the station due to cars and other vehicles entering the bus bay areas to park, undertake manoeuvres or to load and unload goods.

Janine Nightingale, Corporate Director for Communities, said: “Drivers have been observed using the bus station illegally, both as a turning point and for parking or loading purposes.

“This poses a safety hazard as well as contravening an existing traffic order enforceable by South Wales Police which allows only buses to use the station area.

“Following numerous unsuccessful attempts to deter drivers and to remind people that free car parking remains available at Llynfi Street, the situation culminated recently in a collision between a car and a bus, and led directly to First Cymru’s decision to withdraw its services.

“Instead of using the station, they have been calling at bus stops located in the immediate area and have been running the 70/71 service out of Castle Street.

“This is clearly not ideal, so the council is introducing a new temporary traffic order which gives the authority powers to carry out civil enforcement and has introduced new road markings, including double-yellow lines.

“Enforcement officers will be monitoring the situation closely and will issue unauthorised vehicles entering Maesteg bus station with fixed penalty notices. At the same time, we are in talks with First Cymru Buses Limited, and hope that their services will return to use the bus station very soon.”