IRATE locals have lambasted Gwynedd council for its “ridiculous” decision to install obsolete parking meters on one of Dwyfor’s busiest promenades leaving the town “a laughing stock”.

This month controversial new parking meters were installed in Pwllheli, much to the chagrin of town councillors and local businesspeople who felt it would drive trade and tourists out of town as well as restricting access to an “easy walking” route near to the centre of town.

Now, in a remarkable turn of events, it has become apparent that the new parking meters (pictured) are unable to accept the new £1 coin, released at the end of March, potentially leaving motorists facing a fine even though they have acceptable legal tender.

Geraint Jones, a born-and-bred Pwllheli resident who operates Lleyn Furnishers carpet store in the town, was aghast when he spotted the signs on the new meters.

“I’m just amazed that someone can install parking meters within the same month that the new pound coin came into circulation, and yet they don’t accept them,” he told the Cambrian News.

“If you decided to park on the promenade, and don’t have an old pound coin, chances are you will be issued with a ticket.

“I do find this scenario ridiculous. There has been a two-year consultation period for the introduction of the new pound coin, therefore there are no excuses on this one.

“How incompetent can you be?”

The five meters along the promenade cost £2,895 each and it cost the council approximately £300 to install each one.

Read the full story in today’s Arfon/Dwyfor edition of the Camrbian News