DOUBLE yellow lines introduced to curb a parking problem have created another one according to residents, who have called the situation a nightmare.
The yellow lines were painted in Raleigh Crescent, Stevenage, by Stevenage Borough Council to stop motorists blocking the road following consultation with those affected.
But residents told the Comet the restrictions, which also includes a prohibition order to stop vehicles parking on grass verges and footpaths, has led to people being unable to park outside their homes.
Since the restrictions came in last October, borough councillors Robin Parker and Graham Snell have allocated funding for extra parking spaces, but the problem is yet to be fully resolved.
The issue was again raised with the two Liberal Democrat councillors at a Chells residents’ meeting earlier this month as they continue to seek a solution.
Speaking to the Comet, Vicky Tarbet, who has been living in Raleigh Crescent for the last five years, said: “It’s an absolute nightmare now and it’s very rare I can get a space outside my house.
“At the weekend it’s really bad and as soon as everyone finishes work there’s no spaces. I often have to park down the road but it’s difficult when you’ve got a little one and shopping.”
Fellow resident Ronald Pervis said his son Robert was fined for parking on the grass verge after being unable to get a space outside his home, which has bay parking outside the front.
He said: “The parking was causing an obstruction so I agree that these lines should be there. But these cars that were parking there are now taking up bays so my son can’t get parked. The problem is definitely getting worse.”
Carol Craig has lived in the street for 43 years and said, despite not owning a car herself, she has noticed the issue has escalated since the yellow lines were put in.
She said: “It’s a lot worse than before. If you’re going to put it yellow lines you have to have more parking spaces. When my daughters come they often have to park down by the shops in Mobbsbury Way.”
A spokesman for Stevenage Borough Council said: “To ease on-street parking, the council has put in parking spaces in areas which were previously grass verge and further space will be provided shortly. We continue to explore solutions to parking issues across the town in consultation with residents.”
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