An unmarked disabled parking bay in Stonehills has caused an “unfortunate experience” for one Welwyn Garden City resident. 

The parking bay in the town centre has caused some disruption to Nathan Donnelly as he received a charge for parking in the unmarked disabled bay. 

Nathan made a case to the parking services where he claims said that the space is inadequately sign posted.

“To me this sounds like an excuse and a means to make money from the public through dishonesty.  

“Every other disabled space, taxi rank or loading bay in the town centre is clearly marked as such, so why hasn't this one been given a marking to make the restrictions clearer,” Nathan said. 

The Stonehills redevelopment project brought on these changes which received mixed reviews from residents.  

The particular parking bay in question does have signage that lets drivers know the restrictions in place, but there are no road markings.

Prior to the redevelopment, in 2020 the parking bays did have the disabled signage.Welwyn Hatfield Times: The disabled parking bay in Stonehills in 2020, which did have the disabled markings prior to the redevelopment project.The disabled parking bay in Stonehills in 2020, which did have the disabled markings prior to the redevelopment project. (Image: Nathan Donnelly)

At the time of the road reopening in 2021, 130 penalties had been issued to vehicles parking in disabled bays without a valid disabled badge.  

Nathan added: “This is an unfortunate experience. As a driver, myself and others who I have spoken to about the issue have agreed that we look out for markings on the road before we look for signage.  

“If a bay has a disabled marking, we don't park in it. If there is no marking in the bay, we assume that it is a regular spot and look out for time restrictions.” 

A spokesperson from Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council said: “This specific parking bay along Stonehills has a dual role in that it is for disabled parking for blue badge holders from 10am-midnight, but also allows local shops that space for delivery vehicles to deliver midnight-10am. 

“Department for Transport and relevant parking legislation (TSRGD) doesn’t allow for a shared-use bay to have the word DISABLED written on the road as it is not solely a disabled bay.  

“With this in mind, drivers do need to check the signage – which is close by - when parking there, to ensure they understand and can abide by the restrictions”.