A RESIDENT has called on the powers that be to sort out a parking problem which he says is putting people’s lives at risk.
Keven Whyte-Milton, of Bourne Close, said he was fed up no one was taking responsibility for the issue or doing anything to get it resolved, despite him reporting it to the police, the district council’s parking enforcement officers and Worcestershire Highways.
A frustrated Mr Whyte-Milton, told The Standard it began four years ago when double yellow lines were introduced on streets next to Droitwich Station and had now spiralled out of control. But, whenever he tried to contact anyone about it, he had been passed from pillar to post.
He said cars parking irresponsibly in Bourne Close and nearby roads had not only been blocking elderly residents from reaching their front doors, but had also led to the emergency services struggling to get through when needed. And that, because his neighbours were elderly with two in their 80s, could have serious consequences.
“Ambulances and fire engines have not been able to get into the road, let alone turn around.
“Cars are double parked and block the access to the public footpath – this morning there were 27 cars parked in a tiny close which is only 100 yards long.
“Why should we be inconvenienced in such a small close because commuters who work in the town do not want to pay for parking?”
Mr Whyte-Milton said six residents had cars and they had 11 spaces which they could hardly ever use, adding people packed out the close by parking in the spaces, across drop curbs and drives as well as on paths.
He said before the police station closed, he used to take down the registration numbers and give them to officers on the desk who would ring the owners and tell them to move, but he could not do that any more.
Christine Baxter, Wychavon’s car parking services manager, said: “We appreciated this gentleman’s frustrations, but we can only undertake enforcement where there are traffic regulation orders in place which have been implemented by Worcestershire County Council such as double yellow lines and limited waiting bays.
“Proven obstruction issues, such as parking on the pavement or across someone’s drive is still enforceable by the police.”
PC Tony Carter, from Droitwich Safer Neighbourhood Team, said the SNT had received no reports of parking issues on those roads in 2014.
He urged people who had problems with vehicles causing a total obstruction to report it by calling 101 so officers could deal with it as soon as possible.
“A total obstruction would be a car parked in a position making it impossible to pass, if the obstruction is making it difficult to pass this is not classed as a total obstruction.”
Coun John Smith, responsible for highways, urged motorists to park considerately and within the law.
“When residents have concerns over parking, they should contact their local county councillor in the first instance, who will liaise with Highways.
“While solutions are not always possible, measures include introducing parking restrictions, double yellow lines, or a residents parking scheme.”
