A councillor has said he is determined to find out who’s responsible for repeatedly painting over yellow lines in a Leicestershire village
The unknown culprit has been painting over markings in Ratby Road, Groby.
They painted over the yellow lines last week, around Tuesday, April 14, before Leicestershire County Council came out to the road and painted the yellow lines back in.
However, they struck again this weekend, painting over a set of yellow lines that had already been repainted by the county council.
Conservative county councillor Ozzy O’Shea said he was determined to find the offender.
He also said it will cost around £600 to repair the damage, having previously cost the council £200 to fix the first time.
He added: “From my point of view, it’s criminal damage. It’s pathetic.
“It’s irresponsible to paint over double yellow lines. They’re put there for a reason, and it’s a safety reason.
“I’ve been looking to get more traffic wardens out there to get people ticketed. This will end up in court, and whoever is guilty could find themselves with a hefty fine or community service.
“This is vital money we need for council services that we’re having to waste on redoing yellow lines”.
Cllr O’Shea said the lines are still legally enforceable despite being painted over, and motorists could still face a large fine.
Local residents who called the actions “childish” and “ridiculous”.
Jenny Harris, who lives in Ratby Road, said: “It causes us problems because we back onto the road, and if someone parks here, what do we do? Someone is coming and doing this either early in the morning or in the evening when people aren’t around”.
Another Ratby Road resident, who did not wish to be named, showed a can of industrial paint found not far from where the lines had been painted.
They said: “I can’t imagine it’s someone who is local to the village because we know the problems that happen on this road and want to look after the village”.
A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: “A report of criminal damage was received on Wednesday 15 April, stating that yellow lines had been painted over in the areas of Stephenson Way and Martinshaw Lane in Ratby.
“Enquiries are continuing, and no arrests have been made at that time”.
By Chris Harper (Local Democracy Reporter)
