Lymington residents call for action over danger posed by unpermitted parking in South Grove and Grove Road

FRUSTRATED Lymington residents have raised safety concerns over roads blighted by unpermitted parking and called for action after four years of campaigning.

Householders living in South Grove and Grove Road, which are located off the town’s high street, voiced their feelings at Hampshire County Council’s full council meeting, writes Natalia Forero of the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The issues were exacerbated by increased traffic due to a housing development, they said, as well as the recent parking meter installation on the High Street.

Helen Godleman, a spokesperson for the residents, said: “They park on a narrow section of the road blocking access for emergency services, in corners and junctions restricting visibility.

“Vehicles obstructing pavements and drop kerbs prevent safe access for pedestrian and wheelchair users, mobility scooters and pushchairs.”

Ms Godleman said those living in Grove Road first raised road safety concerns back in 2019.

She told the meeting: “One neighbour sustained leg injuries whilst trying to avoid a vehicle and trailer overhanging the pavement on the South Grove. This lady is now almost wheelchair-bound, and her carer struggles to navigate safe routes to avoid vehicle obstruction.

“Another elderly resident was physically attacked when he spoke to the driver of a vehicle parked across the pavement into the front of his property. This incident was not reported to the police for fear of repercussions.”

Citing Section 39 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act, which says the local authority has a statutory duty to “take steps to reduce and prevent accidents”, Ms Godleman said issues on these roads met all three criteria of HCC’s traffic management policy guidance.

In January 2022, the authority’s parking team agreed that civil enforcement officers could issue advisory tickets to dissuade drivers from parking there. However, the fact tickets were advisory “meant that the drivers repeat the contravention”, Ms Godleman continued.

That same year, the campaigners met with Cllr Nick Adams-King, who made clear that the process should begin with an assessment by an HCC traffic engineer.

In February 2023, Lymington Town Council approved a resolution that listed specific points for introducing parking restrictions, and requested the county council schedule an assessment by a highways engineer.

But five months on, no date has been agreed, the campaigners say.

“This process makes residents and the town council extremely frustrated,” Ms Godleman said.

“Over four years, we’ve met with community police, fire safety, and councillors to ensure community safety. The last meeting with Cllr Nick Adams-King was almost a year ago.

“Madam chairman, when will HCC take our roads safety and accessibility issue seriously? When will HCC take even the first step of scheduling a highways engineering team?”

Chairman Cllr Patricia Stallard told the residents: “We do take the deputation seriously, I assure you. You have raised some quite valid points, and you will receive a detailed response from the executive member.”