RAGLAN residents have been left bemused after rogue double yellow lines appeared in the village this week.

The new lines, which appear to be hand-drawn, cover part of the High Street and Church Street but have been met with a mixed response from residents after they appeared last Thursday night (30th March).

Last month residents expressed their concerns at a public consultation proposing traffic calming measures on the High Street, stating that the changes could impact on trade and cause an increase in accidents due to the increased speed of traffic.

One resident wrote on social media: “I think you’ll find those yellow lines are of the home made variety. There will be no local traffic order in place, so they are unenforceable.

“I would even venture as far as suggesting that as they weren’t placed by the local authority, on local authority property, and they’re made of paint, it could be construed as criminal damage.”

Another added: “It appears that the lines have been painted by complete amateurs!”

Head of operations at Monmouthshire County Council Roger Hoggins confirmed that the lines were not approved by the council, and that they will be removed soon.

“Many aspects of where and how traffic might be better managed were discussed at a recent exhibition on traffic management and parking options in and around Raglan’s High Street,” he said.

“This included the junction of Castle Street and High Street. While highlighted as something for further consideration it would appear that someone has decided that double yellow lines are the solution. This might be the case but introducing any form of traffic management like yellow lines or restrictions on waiting requires consultation and eventually a traffic order approved by the county council.

“There is no such order to support the double yellow lines outside the Beaufort Hotel so they will be removed while any order is drafted for consultation - if indeed an order is eventually proposed.”