Residents in Thatcham unhappy with pavement parking
Parking on the pavement is a contentious issue with many enjoying its convenience and many finding it disruptive.
While the rules may be simple in London – don’t do it – the lines are a little more blurred elsewhere.
In Thatcham, the issue of safety has come up as a main concern.
Residents have been expressing their discontent with vehicles parking on pavements, obstructing the pathway and forcing some pedestrians to walk on the road.
Pavement parking on Coombes Court has been raised with a Thatcham town councillor – something she says has been ongoing for many years.
As it stands, parking on the pavement outside of London is not illegal. But the RAC says it is not advised.
The Highway Code states that parking partially or wholly on the pavement in London is not permitted but in areas outside of the capital there is no such rule.
The code does, however, state: “Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.”
Florence Gardens resident Andrew Morrow said cars park along his road every day.
The Thatcham man said he knows somebody who uses a wheelchair and has had to travel around the cars which putting them in danger of oncoming traffic.
He also sees parents with pushchairs walking on to the road, around the cars, with their young children.
He said the concern is worsened because of the road’s proximity to a local park – which means children travelling to and from the park may be put at risk.
“It is not safe,” he said.
In response, a West Berkshire Council (WBC) urged residents to contact its traffic and road safety team at trafficandroadsafety@westberks.gov.uk or (01635) 519080.
A WBC spokesperson said “Florence Gardens in Thatcham is an unrestricted road.
“This means that there are no formal parking restrictions in place – like double yellow lines.
“So, only the police have the power to enforce parking, not the council.
They added: “In 2020, the Government consulted with all local authorities outside London to see whether the law about parking on pavements which only applies within London should be changed so that it applied nationwide.
“This would give council’s the power to enforce in situations like this, but there has been no legislation change as yet.
“However, residents can apply for restrictions in the road, through our traffic and road safety team.
“But putting these is place would take time so would not provide an immediate solution.”
