An Abbots Langley resident says that the current situation regarding the number of cars parked on the village’s pavements is “beyond a joke”.
Nancy Spencer, who lives on Long Elms, says she has recently noticed an increasing number of drivers parking their cars on grass verges and pavements across the village.
She told ABBOTSnews that the situation has made life far more difficult – and potentially even dangerous – for pedestrians.
She said: “I was out walking my dog one day, and due to the number of cars parked on the pavement and grass, no cars could see me. So, when I stepped out into the road to cross, my dog nearly got run over.
“The situation is just beyond a joke. It’s not good for me or anyone.”
Nancy added that the problem also means that the pavements in the area are difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues.
She explained: “I have a friend who walks with a pair of sticks, and she finds it extremely hard to get around.
“We need to start fining people.”
A Three Rivers District Council spokesperson said: “The council cannot enforce and issue penalty charge notices on pavement parking if there are no parking restrictions in place as there is no national prohibition of parking on footways.
“However, the police do have the powers to deal with any vehicles that are parked unsafely or cause an obstruction, even where there are no parking restrictions.
“If residents are concerned about road danger or an obstruction and there are no parking restrictions, they can call 101 or contact the local neighbourhood team here.
“In regard to parking on the grass verge, the land in question is not owned by the council and enquiries should be made directly with the landowner.”
A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “We have not received any regular reports or feedback about parking issues in the Long Elms area however we appreciate these frustrations and will take them on board.
“We carefully choose our policing priorities based on reports into our control room and the feedback we receive on echo, our community voice platform. We strongly encourage residents with concerns to report these to us so we can build a picture of where we should be targeting resources. Of course, please remember our resources are not unlimited so we try to meet the demand of where we are needed most, such as burglary patrols and anti-social behaviour.”
Residents are encouraged to let the team know what they would like to see prioritised, by using echo.
Photo Credit: HOSS Photography
this is rite people in long elms high acres hazelwood lane .they park at a cross road on grass and as a driver you cannot see to pull out need more parking bays