“Those spaces have been there over 40 years": Reform councillor calls for review of parking enforcement behind shops on busy high street in Northampton

According to residents, over the summer, the Reform-led West Northamptonshire Council started a crackdown on parking in the spaces behind Texaco petrol station near Kingsthorpe Front.

When this happened, residents took to social media saying: “Those spaces have been there over 40 years. I have parked there hundreds of times,” and “Sounds like an easy cash cow. These spaces have been used as a car park for as long as I can remember.”

At the time, a Kingsthorpe Parish Council spokesman said: “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.

“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.”

In response, 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.”

Now, in October, Reform’s own councilor Nigel Berrill, who represents the Kingsthorpe ward, has taken a stand after meeting with the parish council.

In a Facebook post, councillor Berrill said: “I want to make it clear that we fully recognise the need for parking restrictions and enforcement around the library and the main one-way system. Road safety, accessibility and keeping traffic moving are incredibly important.

“However, our concerns are specifically about the parking bays immediately behind the petrol station, alongside the four houses.

“These spaces have been used by residents and visitors for over 30 years, and we believe the current approach to enforcement in this particular area needs to be reconsidered.

“One of my biggest concerns is the impact on our local businesses along Kingsthorpe Front.

“People often stop briefly to visit our independent shops, pick something up or use local services.

“These small visits make a huge difference to our local businesses. If people are worried about receiving a parking ticket, they may simply choose to go elsewhere.

“At a time when our high streets are already facing enormous challenges, surely we should be encouraging people to shop locally rather than making it more difficult?

“I will continue working with those involved to seek a fair and sensible solution.”

Responding, one resident said: “People have parked there since the late 1960s that's almost 60 years, what was the intention for the spaces on either side of the road if not for parking.”

Another commenter said: “As far as I remember, and I am now 72, parked cars have caused next to no disruption there.”

One local restaurant owner has also called for the parking to be reopened.

This newspaper contacted West Northamptonshire Council and Reform leader Cllr Mark Arnull, who represents Kingsthorpe. Neither had responded at the time of writing.