Councillors trying to tackle inconsiderate street parking in Thatcham

Thatcham town councillors have been raising concerns over inconsiderate parking in the town.

Issues with high volumes of vehicles parked at Henwick Worthy was raised by the chairman of planning and highways Simon Pike (Lib Dem, Thatcham West).

In a recent planning and highways committee meeting, Mr Pike told councillors there has been a high volume of cars in this area on multiple occasions.

And some have been parking inconsiderately.

A number of vehicles have been obstructing dropped curbs, parking at bus stops and in areas that impact accessibility.

Mr Pike noted one weekend in early January where the problem was “particularly bad”.

The increase in volume was due to a number of sporting events held at the Henwick Worthy playing fields at one time.

“I went out to put something in my bins and spent an hour counting the cars and talking to local residents,” Mr Pike said.

“There were more than 100 vehicles parked on the road in addition to the [Henwick Worthy] car park being full.

“And this included one car parked on the no-stopping bus stop, one that was parked completely obstructing a dropped curb for accessibility and at Chesnutt Close there were cars parked on both sides [of the junction].

“I had to assist a car to leave.”

He added: “Anything larger than a Transit would not have got through at all.”

Mr Pike called 101 at the time and got a call back a few days later. Police commented that the event had passed.

But Mr Pike will be taking the issue further in a joint management committee.

More issues surrounding parking were raised in a full town council meeting, held on January 29.

Justin Pemberton (Lib Dem, Thatcham West) reported hearing of inconsiderate parking from a recent council surgery.

He said vehicles have reportedly been parking too close to traffic lights on Northfield Road.

It was noted that this is a recurring complaint from residents.

The issue was raised with West Berkshire Council (WBC), which said it – along with Thames Valley Police (TVP) – is investigating what can be done to remove these vehicles.

TVP is also investigating what it can do to educate those responsible.

WBC told the town council: “If this fails, we will then have to look at other measures which may include emergency temporary parking restrictions.

“Due to the legal process involved, any restrictions are likely to be temporary rather than permanent.”

Mr Pemberton told the council chamber that it was encouraging to get a response from WBC.

And as ward councillor, he will be following up the issue.

He said: “There are things we can do but it is not going to happen overnight.”