Police action over illegally parked trailers in Bowerhill

The Melksham Neighbourhood Police Team have agreed to contact companies illegally parking trailers along the road in Bowerhill Trading Estate.

The action follows pressure from Melksham Without Parish councillor, Mark Harris, who is calling for ‘robust policing’ over the illegally parked trailers. He is concerned speeding drivers could crash into the vehicles, following an increase in the severity and frequency of speeding in the Bowerhill area.

Cllr Harris, who has been monitoring the incidence of parked trailers to feedback to the police, explained, “They seem to think they can park these trailers here overnight and over the weekends. The problem is, drivers come down here at break-neck speeds and my concern is that someone is going to pile into one of them. Nine years ago, there was a fatal accident in the West Wilts Trading Estate involving a parked trailer and I do not want the same thing to happen again. What I want to see is some robust policing that could look like enforcement tickets. We need to get the message across that this is wrong and someone will get hurt or killed.”

Following a meeting with the neighbourhood police team to discuss the issue, it was agreed they would start writing to the companies concerned, to warn about the illegality of parking trailers in the area. Chief inspector Andy Lemon said, “We have been made aware of illegal parking of unlit trailers in the Bowerhill area. In this instance, we are contacting the companies involved and explaining the issues, as well as warning of the potential enforcement action that we could take if this continues.”

However, cllr Harris said, “I am frustrated and disappointed about this. I was hoping for a more positive action. I will still be out monitoring the issue and will continue to feedback to the police.”

Alongside this action, there will be an increased police presence in Bowerhill to monitor speeding drivers, following complaints about the issue, particularly in the Pathfinder Place area. The police have said they will be patrolling the area and will carry out speed checks and safety searches on vehicles.