Criticism has been aimed at Pembrokeshire County Council civil enforcement officers after a number of vehicles in Narberth were issued with parking tickets during the Remembrance Sunday service.

A post on Facebook by a local resident who said that they were visiting the town to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in war, only to return to their vehicle parked at the Town Moor car park to find their car with a ticket on it, sparked outrage on social networking sites on Sunday evening.

Around a dozen other vehicles parked in the facility, which is an all-year round pay and display car park, were also issued with parking tickets.

Assembly candidate Marc Tierney has called for the county council to waive the fines as a “gesture of goodwill” to the townsfolk

“It makes no sense for a town like Narberth to be subject to parking charges on a Sunday, especially in winter,” said Mr. Tierney in a statement.

“Most shops are closed and anyone popping in for bread or milk can park on the High Street.

“It’s obvious that drivers were genuinely unaware they needed to pay to park. The rules just aren’t clear enough.

“As a gesture of goodwill, Pembrokeshire County Council must do the right thing and use their discretion in applying a waiver to anyone fined whilst attending this event,” he added.

In a statement issued by Pembrokeshire County Council, a spokesperson said that the authority was mindful of Remembrance Sunday and regretted any distress caused by this issue.

“The car park in Narberth is an all-year-round, pay and display car park in which - as in all our car parks - we have to be fair and consistent to all users and for all events,” they stated.

“Our officers, who oversee on and off-street parking, seven days a week, are unaware of the destination of those who park without buying tickets.

“We appreciate that in this instance many people may have been taking part in the Remembrance Day activity taking place in the town.

“Our civil enforcement officers were aware of this important event and in many instances ensured that those who attended had every assistance with their parking.

“We are unable to pinpoint those given tickets. But if anyone who was affected feels they have a reason to challenge it, there is an appeals process (see details on the back of the ticket) and the matter will be dealt with accordingly,” they added.