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Business leaders are complaining of parking problems in Aberystwyth after traffic wardens were phased out in the town for a year.

Ceredigion council is to appoint officers to enforce its new civil parking powers, but there will be a gap in the transfer.

Cyril Baker of Aberystwyth Chamber of Commerce claimed drivers were "abusing the situation" and causing chaos.

Dyfed-Powys Police said they were working to ensure a smooth transfer.

Ceredigion council said the police were responsible for parking matters until the powers were transferred.

Parking has long been a controversial issue in the university town, but according to Mr Baker, the chamber's former chair, the situation has become worse since traffic wardens stopped working on 31 May.

Control is moving from traffic wardens run by police in line with other areas, but Ceredigion council claims it will take about a year to put its system in place.

Police officers have the power to issue parking tickets, but Mr Baker complained that it was clear there had been "a somewhat relaxed attitude" among motorists in Aberystwyth since the end of May.

"Drivers are obstructing access to delivery vehicles, and the knock-on effect means delivery vehicles have to double park," said Mr Baker, who owns a jewellers' shop.

'Abusing the situation'

"It doesn't take long before this descends into chaos.

"People are aware that traffic wardens are not enforcing their infringements. People are parking on junctions and on double yellow lines, and the hotspots seem to be in Pier Street and Terrace Road."

He said it was clear motorists were "abusing the situation". He appealed to drivers to be more responsible.

Chamber of Commerce chair Chris Mackenzie-Grieve, who runs MG's cafe in Aberystwyth, said finding parking places for loading was a major problem.

"It may seem great for motorists, but for traders, visitors and the disabled looking for parking spots it's not a laughing matter," he said.

Control is moving from traffic wardens run by police in line with other areas, but it will take a year to put the system in Ceredigion in place.

Dyfed-Powys Police said they continued to respond to any calls from the public and assisted in pre-planned festivals or events.

Ch Insp Robyn Mason said "We will continue to work with Ceredigion council to ensure a smooth as possible transfer of services. We have advised the affected staff and will keep them advised of any developments."

Ceredigion council spokesman said: "Within Ceredigion, until the responsibility and legal powers are transferred to Ceredigion County Council, the Dyfed-Powys Constabulary remains to be the authority responsible for enforcing traffic regulation orders.

"All such orders have been provided in the interest of road safety for all road users and to ensure the free flow of traffic.

"As stated in the Highway Code (Rules 238 to 252), it is the responsibility of all motorists to park sensibly and, where issues arise, the police should be contacted to take any necessary enforcement action."