‘Squatting truckers have made dock a no-go area’

8:57am Tuesday 14th August 2007

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Roads around Pembroke Dock ferry port are becoming make-shift car parks and campsites for many lorry drivers.

Complaints have been increasing about the rising number of HGVs parking illegally around the port.

One resident, Lesley Jenkins, of Southampton Row, Pembroke Dock, said: "For some months now more than 60 juggernaut tractor units park every weekend on pavements around the Irish Ferries terminal at Pembroke Dock. Surely it is illegal for these units to be parked for two days on pavements meant for pedestrians.

"Also there is the question of toilet facilities because, as far as I know, there are none and, consequently, the drivers appear to be making their own arrangements," she added.

AM Angela Burns is also concerned about the issue and has written to Pembrokeshire County Council's chief executive about the problem.

"This has become a very serious problem that is impeding business and intimidating residents," she said, adding: "I have been down two weekends in a row and have seen the drivers making fires, lighting braziers to cook, parking on the pavements and urinating on their tyres in the streets.

"It is making Pembroke Dock a no-go area at weekends."

Milford Haven Port Authority is discussing improvements but has said there are facilities made available to drivers in the secure area.

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council said: "Several organisations have some involvement in the issue, including the port itself, the lorry operators, the police, the Trunk Roads Agency and the county council. The council will be holding a meeting shortly to look at the key issues."