Hungerford parking wrangle sparks bid for new legislation

Town and district councillors were left wringing their hands after they learned that jeweller Tommy Keeble was entitled to park his blue BMW in the disputed area.
Paul Hewer (Con) said that the Department for Transport was in the process of closing what it perceived as a loophole - but that the process could take two years.
He said: “Everyone thought that parking behind zig-zag lines demarking a pedestrian crossing was illegal. It turns out it isn’t. “The DfT is changing the legislation, but it’s a long process.”
To circumvent that, West Berkshire Council plans to introduce specific new rules for the spot, according to deputy leader Pamela Bale (Con, Pangbourne).
She said: "We are seeking legally enforceable parking restrictions that could be enforced by council officers. Statutory consultation notices have already been advertised so that residents can comment. Subject to receiving a favourable response, we would hope to see the council implement the restrictions later this year.”
A yellow consultation notice has been fixed to a nearby post.
She added: “There is an anomaly in that zig zag lines on either side of a pedestrian crossing to prevent parking do not apply
to the pavement in the same
way as double yellow lines apply to the carriageway, pavement
and verge.”
Meanwhile Mr Keeble, of T Keeble jewellers, insists he has done nothing wrong and is entitled to use the space outside his shop.
He said: “I’ve seen the notice but no one can understand what it means. My car is in line with all the others and I don’t believe it causes an obstruction.”
Meanwhile, complaints have arisen about a van that regularly parks on the pavement outside the NatWest Bank in the High Street.
One resident, Ivan Paterson, said: “They’re obviously waiting for the charity shop to open, to deliver or collect - although the shop has a back entrance.
“I asked West Berkshire Council if I could also pull up on the pavement if I wanted to use the bank cash machine.”
He received an unsigned response which stated: “Although the van is parked on the pavement, the restriction applicable is the double yellow lines on the road.
“This restriction applies from the centre of the carriageway to the property line. Under this restriction the vehicle is permitted to load/unload. Our CEOs will allow an observation period of five minutes.”