SHOPKEEPERS in Cirencester have claimed motorists are parking free in the town’s Market Place, as signage issues are preventing traffic wardens from checking whether drivers have paid and displayed.

A shop owner based in the Market Place, who asked not to be named, said the situation was becoming “a joke” as some traders were parking all day, ironically driving away customers.

He said a traffic warden told him they could not fine people parking in the Market Place without a ticket as the area did not have the correct pay and display signs.

“It’s been going on for 18 months when they put new machines in,” said the shopkeeper.

“It’s becoming a bit of a joke now.

“We will lose customers because no one else can park there especially without the Forum car park now.”

The Forum car park, situated just around the corner from the market place, is partly out of action for resurfacing and motorists have been left with limited parking spaces in the town.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) dismissed the claims and said there was nothing wrong with the signs.

Jonathan Davies who owns gift shop Lock Stock and Barrel in the Market Place said he had also heard about free parking in the town centre.

“Parking is a real problem in Cirencester at the moment especially with the various works taking place around town,” he said.

“The Market Place is a short-stay car park to cater for people who just want to pop into town and if it is used all day it may restrict those users.

“I would urge the council to clarify the position as soon as possible.”

Parking manager at GCC Jim Daniels said 78 parking tickets had already been issued this year to people who had not paid to park in the Market Place.

“Cirencester’s Market Place allows parking on the highway, which is common in old market places in the UK,” he said.

“There’s a time-limited pay and display area on the road with two clearly-signed ticket machines.

“I’d like to reassure residents, traders and visitors that parking is being legally enforced in this area. A large number of visitors choose to pay via the cashless service which doesn’t require a ticket to be placed on display.”