Missed bin collections and blocked access spark parking row on Northampton street

Murray Avenue resident David Nicholls says anti-social parking on the road’s bends is blocking access for vehicles and pedestrians.

He is calling for a solution on the affected area of the road.

He said: “We have missed bin collections and deliveries, emergency vehicles are blocked and the local authority is not interested in any remedy.

“If we want a short section of yellow lines on the road the process is a lengthy one including public consultation.

“I have repeatedly complained and asked for help to remedy the problem on our road.

“We live in a selfish do-as-you-please society and lots lack consideration for others.”

West Northamptonshire Council says introducing parking measures is a process which can take time.

Cllr Richard Butler, spokesman for highways and transport, said: “We understand the frustration residents can feel when parking causes problems on their street, particularly if it affects access for refuse vehicles, deliveries or emergency services.

“However, introducing double yellow lines isn’t something the council can do straight away. There is a formal process that every request must go through to make sure it is considered fairly and that local people have the chance to share their views.

“Requests are assessed based on things like road safety, traffic flow and access issues. If a proposal is taken forward, it is then subject to a public consultation before any decision is made.

“Anyone who believes parking restrictions are needed in their area can submit a request through the council’s website, where they can find full details of the process and how applications are assessed.”

East Midlands Ambulance Service said while they had no reports of vehicles being blocked, drivers should consider how they park.

Martin Claydon, head of operations, added: “While we aren’t aware of any issues at this location, we would ask drivers to park considerately and never leave their vehicle in a position where they could prevent emergency vehicles getting through to the scene of an emergency.”

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service also had no reported issues, but say with a standard engine being more than two and half metres wide by eight metres long, they need more room to manoeuvre than many people realise.

They suggest parking as close to the kerb as possible with wheels straight and mirrors folded in. They also ask drivers to leave extra room at tight junctions and to only park on one side of the road in narrow streets.

A fire service spokeswoman added: “Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service always ask drivers to think carefully about where they have parked and consider whether they have left sufficient room for emergency services vehicles to get past.

“Please remember that every second counts when someone calls the emergency services.”