by Thom Morris
tmorris@thekmgroup.co.uk

Parking bays have been painted on to the infamous shared space scheme in Ashford – on top of the £100,000 flume cut into the granite stones.

Previously drivers could get away with parking on the shared space due to the unique nature of it not having any parking signs due to its “clutter-free” philosophy.

But motorists exploiting the lack of clear signs and marking around sections of Bank Street pushed road chiefs to decide more signs and parking bays were needed.

KCC opted for the “minimum size of 50mm lines” to “fit in with the philosophies of shared space.”

Taxi ranks, disabled parking and loading bays have now been highlighted.

But mother-of-five and independent trader Sally Starley says she has not noticed any changes.

The Tiny Tots owner said: “I don’t know if they’ve finished yet but they’ve put in these lines with no signs telling people how long they can park for, so the pavements are still full of cars.

“They’ve re-done the taxi rank which seems to be helping but I’ve still seen a few cars on there. I think the only way they’re going to be able to sort this out is to put proper signs up and yellow lines down.”

Traffic wardens will now be patrolling Bank Street to issue fines to anyone parking where they should not.

The Flume, which snakes its way along Elwick Road and up Bank Street, has already been patched up after cars parked on the engraving, dislodging the granite bricks.

Coloured “Lego brick” bollards were installed to try to deter motorists but attracted much criticism from traders and shoppers for looking unsightly.

If the new parking bays do not work further action will be taken.