Driver warns city motorists to beware of 'venus flytrap'.
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A DISGRUNTLED driver has branded one of Inverness city centre’s quieter streets a “Venus flytrap” after he was ticketed there despite no obvious restrictions being in place.
The pensioner contacted the Courier after receiving the ticket for parking on Post Office Avenue on a Sunday morning.
The lane that runs parallel to Queensgate is part of a restricted city centre zone which also includes Union Street, Academy Street and other major arteries.
While Post Office Avenue is only accessible to drivers via the neighbouring Church Street, which does include restriction notices at its entrance, the man, who didn’t want to be named, has said there need to be more signs at the avenue entrance and along its length.
“The fact is that there is nothing telling you on the street itself that you can’t park there,” he said. “To make it even worse there obviously were double-yellow lines there previously which have now been covered over, but are still visible, making it look like previous restrictions don’t apply.
“I was in town on a Sunday because I was going to church and couldn’t see any reason not to park where I did, so I was really surprised when I came out and found athis ticket on my car.”
He wanted motorists to beware, stating: “Amid the mile upon mile of parking restrictions that exist in Inverness, lurks a vVenus flytrap.
“Despite the numerous yellow lines and bays (in other streets) which clearly indicate what restrictions are in force, there is Post Office Avenue which, apart from three loading bays, has no yellow lines or other signs which would indicate that it forms part of a no parking zone.
“The signs which apparently legalise the restrictions are situated over 200 yards away at the north end of Church Street.
“It’s not at all clear that they apply to Post Office Avenue itself.”
He said he is aware of other drivers having been ticketed at the same location and added: “If Highland Council really wanted to prevent drivers from parking in Post Office Avenue, a quiet side street, they would do the decent thing and reinstate the yellow lines and provide some suitable signs showing the restrictions.
“But why should they? This area now provides much required revenue from unsuspecting motorists who unwittingly get caught in the trap.”
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “Inverness city centre is clearly signed as per the Traffic Signs and General Directions 2016 as a restricted zone with signs at every entrance to the zone. This has been in place since 2009.
“Drivers are reminded that they are responsible for ensuring they are parked correctly.”
