Parking pandemomium for Redhill residents
NEIGHBOURS on a busy street are under fire from commuters – and the police – after cordoning off sections of their road with bollards to reserve parking spaces outside their homes.
Lynwood Road, Redhill, should be a quiet cul-de-sac within easy walking distance of the town centre.
But for months now, residents have been placing cones, some with their house numbers on, to prevent commuters from parking and walking into town.
Frustrated Lynwood Road resident Trudy Savin, 48, said: "If we didn't put cones out, we wouldn't be able to park.
"I use cones outside my house, and I've had abuse from commuters as a result. I've had a few "nasty little man" letters telling me where to go.
"A lot of people here have young children. Parents leaving to do the school run can be gone just 15 minutes, but when they get back they have no chance of getting a space for the rest of the day, and nowhere else to park."
Mrs Savin said she and other residents were at the end of their tether, and were calling on Surrey County Council to step in and resolve the issue.
Neighbour Patricia Hucker, 73, said: "If you speak to the council, you can ask for our cones back. There was a van down here the other week, and our cones disappeared. So we went and got more.
"People have taken to paving over their gardens just to get somewhere to park, but they shouldn't have to go to that expense."
Surrey Police have written to residents in the street warning them that obstruction of the highway is illegal
Police Community Support Officer for Redhill North, Bob Allen, said: "We are trying to take an understanding approach on this issue but must remind residents that obstructing the highway is an offence.
"The County Council has been advised of this issue and is currently considering the introduction of a residents' parking scheme in Redhill."
He encouraged any residents concerned about the issue to attend the next Police Panel meeting for Redhill North on Thursday, October 29 at the Harlequin Theatre, or to call 0845 125 2222, quoting reference P09078471.
12 Comments
View all
by Steve, Reigate
Sunday, October 04 2009, 9:01AM
“I feel very sorry for the residents and do not blame them at all. In fact I'd do the same but...
I also feel sorry for the commuters because there is not enough parking at Redhill Station. I have recently started communting and need a parking space. Asking for a space I was put on a waiting list and told to expect to wait 6 months to a year for a space. The small daily car park is full well before 7am.
Where do I park then!! And I'd love to catch a bus to the station but the first bus doesn't get to Redhill until 7:45 which is far too late. Bike riding in a suit is not on either especially in the winter
So I guess I may be parking in your road soon until I get a car park season ticket - sorry don't mean to be a pain but what else do I do!!!”
by Anon, Redhill
Tuesday, September 29 2009, 7:54AM
“Although there is no legal argument for the residents i feel sorry for them. Especially in the evenings when they cannot park in their own roads.
It just the typical 'British attitude' of people being do what they want regardless of anyone else. We forget this includes the Yuppies as well as the underclass in society.
I have also heard of a local nursery where the staff had been unable to park in their own spaces because the parents 'park and ride' on the trains. Then have the cheek to complain when the staff are late for work!!!
Something for the local councils to think about. But will never really interested unless there is money to be made from parking permits.”
by Hannah, Redhill
Thursday, September 24 2009, 11:42AM
“Knowing that I have to get the train to work every day, I chose to live near Redhill train station so that I can walk to and from the station. I'm in the process of buying a property now and part of my criteria was that it was within walking distance of a train station, be it Redhill, Reigate, Merstham, Horley etc. If people are going to drive to the station, then they should pay for parking. I'd be infuriated if people started parking ouside my house to use the station. I agree with the people who are saying that there is a lack of free parking. I had a friend who worked in Redhill and drove to work. She became so exasperated with paying for parking permits then being incorrectly fined that she started to get the train in every day! Less cars... more public transport!”
by Julia, Nutfield
Wednesday, September 23 2009, 1:22PM
“Not all people can afford houses with driveways so to say they should have bought houses with driveways already built in is pure ignorance. The trains don't go to all roads around Redhill so obviously they'll need the use of their cars, the trains are only useful if you're going to somewhere with a trainstation at the other end!
What's more, what has the Iraq war got to do with anything? Just because there are worse things going on else where doesn't mean people can't have an opinion on things that are close to home (literally..)
The ideal solution would be for car parks to lower their costs to park there but that'll never happen! Good luck to the residents!”
by Paul, Crawley
Wednesday, September 23 2009, 9:52AM
“Regarding Anon in Ashtead, Its a public highway, therefore if the car is legal, regardless of make or model, ANY person can park on there. Perhaps if the council dropped thier parking fees, more people would use the car parks instead of looking for free parking. Im sure you lead by example and have always parked in a council car park instead of looking for a road nearby where you can park for free. Right, just off out in my 09 Merc to do some shopping.”