Stotfold man appeals for more considerate parking

Tony Shiel, who lives in Stotfold High Street, wants motorists to think about residents in the road before they park in long rows, especially on bends.

Mr Shiel, 68, said: “It’s not normally so bad during the day, but when rush hour arrives it can be a nightmare.

“Once people who live in the road start coming back from work, they will park Transit vans and other large vehicles closely together so I can’t see whether there is any oncoming traffic when I pull out – it’s quite hazardous.”

There are currently no yellow lines or parking restrictions in the road, but retired Mr Shiel does not believe they would necessarily be the answer.

He added: “I think yellow lines could make the problem worse as they would stop residents parking outside their homes completely, whether they were being responsible or not.

“Some sort of residents’ parking scheme could help though.”

Mr Shiel has contacted Bedfordshire Police but he has so far been unhappy with the response he has received.

He said: “It can be quite difficult to get hold of anyone but the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Biggleswade said that parking enforcement is not something they are making a priority now.”

Councillor Brian Spurr, executive member for sustainable communities – services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “Central Bedfordshire Council is always happy to investigate any parking issues that residents raise.

“At the current time, there are no plans in progress to introduce a residents’ parking scheme in Stotfold High Street.

“However, in response to this resident’s concerns, the transportation team will be assessing the parking situation in this area to see if any amendments to the current arrangement need to made.”

A Bedfordshire Police spokesman said: “Obviously we appreciate the difficulties this man has to deal with, but this is very much a matter for the local authorites.”