A Monmouthshire County Councillor has raised pressing concerns regarding the ongoing issue of illegal parking on Chepstow High Street at a recent full council meeting.

Speaking to Cllr Paul Griffiths, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Economy, Cllr Paul Pavia (Mount Pleasant Ward) described the situation that has “worsened post-pandemic” and highlighted the congestion caused by vehicles flouting restrictions to access nearby retail and food outlets.

Cllr Pavia noted that the issue extends beyond the High Street, with misuse of disabled parking bays on the adjacent roads of Station Road and Bank Street, adding to the challenges. "Despite parking restrictions, the lack of enforcement has turned this into a daily issue, causing significant congestion seven days a week," he said.

Highlighting his frustrations, Cllr Pavia called on the council to prioritise enforcement capacity as a matter of urgency. He emphasised the need for regular patrols across Chepstow and other towns to tackle what he referred to as "anti-social behaviour."

The issue of parking enforcement in Chepstow, has drawn widespread public attention in recent months. A proposal to introduce double yellow lines on Chepstow High Street, Bank Street, and lower Welsh Street was approved by Chepstow Town Council in the autumn. However, this solution has not been universally welcomed. While some residents and town councillors support the move as necessary to address illegal parking, concerns have been raised about the impact on the town’s historic aesthetics.

Members of the public on social media have described Chepstow as the “wild west” of parking, with a lack of enforcement undermining existing restrictions. They have also expressed scepticism that double yellow lines alone would resolve the problem, calling instead for a more robust presence of enforcement officers.

Residents have also pointed to high parking fees in local car parks as a contributing factor. Suggestions have included introducing more short-term free parking zones, such as free parking for the first 30 minutes at Welsh Street Car Park, to encourage compliance and support local businesses.

In responding to Cllr Pavia’s question, Cllr Paul Griffiths, also the County Councillor for Chepstow Castle and Larkfield, acknowledged the wide-spread local concern. He confirmed that a countywide review of parking was ongoing and that the issue of enforcement would be examined within that review.

Cllr Pavia’s appeal reflects growing frustration within the community.

"We cannot afford to ignore this any longer," he stated.

"Whilst infrastructure initiatives to alleviate congestion like improvements to Highbeech Roundabout and progressing cross-border plans for a Chepstow Bypass are not in the gift of the Council to resolve, this matter very much is. I believe the Council can and must do better, and I will continue to press for immediate and effective solutions to this escalating problem."