Drivers hit out at sudden parking crackdown at Northampton spot used for ‘over 40 years’
Drivers who say they have been using an area of land as a car park for 40 years have hit out after West Northamptonshire Council started enforcing restrictions.
The council’s ticket wardens have launched a parking crackdown at the spot between Gallone's Ice Cream Parlour and CW Plant Hire this week just off Kingsthorpe High Street.
Residents say enforcement officers recently turned up and suddenly started issuing tickets. The council said it was responding to complaints about cars parking at the site.
The Chronicle & Echo visited the spot behind the Texaco garage this week and found it completely empty, which is unusual.
One resident said: “Those spaces have been there over 40 years. I have parked there hundreds of times.”
Another said: “Sounds like an easy cash cow. These spaces have been used as a car park for as long as I can remember.”
West Northamptonshire Council says the area is not a designated public car park and that double yellow line restrictions have always applied.
A council spokesman said: “The area between Gallone's Ice Cream Parlour and CW Plant Hire is not a designated public car park but forms part of the adopted highway, where double yellow line restrictions apply.
“In response to complaints about parking at this location, the Council has increased enforcement activity to ensure compliance with the existing restrictions, which have remained in place throughout.
“We recognise that some motorists may have parked in this area before without receiving a Penalty Charge Notice. However, the restrictions at this location have remained in force, and enforcement is now being carried out in line with the existing Traffic Regulation Order to ensure compliance with those restrictions.”
A Kingsthorpe Parish Council said: “Residents have brought to our attention concerns about vehicles being ticketed while parked in the highway spaces on the High Street.
“We have made enquiries with West Northamptonshire Council, and it appears that the issuing of tickets is currently in line with the restrictions in place, with double yellow lines applying in this area.
“However, we believe the situation needs an urgent review. Residents have been parking in these spaces for many years, and the restrictions have not previously been actively enforced. We have therefore asked Cllr Mark Arnull, Kingsthorpe Ward Councillor and WNC Council Leader, to look into this matter urgently on behalf of residents.
“That said, the main concern remains the service road behind the Alexander Terrace shops and the rear of the Library/Gallones. This is the area where residents have consistently raised concerns about parking, and we believe the existing parking restrictions need to be properly enforced.
“We will continue to raise residents’ concerns with West Northamptonshire Council and seek a fair and practical solution that takes into account the long-standing parking needs of local residents.”