Closed
Repeated parking in street blocking access- Jenner Crescent
Sent to West Northamptonshire Council less than a minute later. ref: 9042523.
Dear Council Team,
I am writing as a resident of Jenner Crescent to formally raise an ongoing issue regarding vehicles parking up on the kerb along our street/ inconsiderate parking on the street.
I have been a resident of the street for several years and this has been a persistent problem for a considerable period of time. Vehicles are frequently mounting the pavement and parking in a way that completely obstructs pedestrian access. This is particularly concerning for parents with prams, wheelchair users, elderly residents, and children, who are often forced to step into the road to pass safely.
In addition, the obstruction is affecting residential waste collection. As can be seen from the attached photograph I was disturbed today while working. A Golf with registration L25 TMY parked in such a way that it prevented access for the council operated waste collection vehicle to freely pass.
Most seriously, the manner in which vehicles are parking significantly restricts access for emergency services. In the event of a fire, medical emergency, or other urgent situation, delayed access could have severe consequences.
Given that this has been an ongoing issue, I would respectfully request that the Council take appropriate enforcement action. This may include increased patrols by parking enforcement officers, clearer signage, road markings, the introduction of permit holder badges for street residents, or any other suitable preventative measures.
Residents should not have to navigate unsafe conditions on their own street, nor should access for essential services be compromised.
I would appreciate confirmation of the steps that will be taken to address this matter and a timeframe for any proposed action.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Yours faithfully, Sarah Wilson
Updates
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Where no waiting restrictions are present on the road, parking on a grass verge or pavement is not illegal. However, a driver may be open to prosecution if their vehicle is persistently damaging a verge, parked dangerously or causing an obstruction.
Where there are no restrictions on the road, enforcement can only be carried out by Northamptonshire Police, but they are only likely to take action if the parking is causing an obstruction, such as a situation where pedestrians, pram or wheelchair users are being forced into a busy road as a result of parking blocking the verge or pavement. Such cases should be reported to the police on the non-emergency phone number 101 they will then make a decision on what action they may be able to take.
Pavement parking is a national problem and the Department for Transport has been looking into this issue for some time and we are waiting the outcome of the consultation that they carried out in order for us to consider this matter further as currently parking on the pavement is not illegal outside of London, although we do fully understand the concerns that this has within the local community. The following link is the most up to date information that is available Managing pavement parking - https://www.gov.uk/ government/ consultations/ managing-pavement-parking
In the interim, should you feel that an obstruction is happening, then this can be reported to the Police who can judge whether this is dangerous or causing an unnecessary obstruction of the road, they could look to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.