Driveway free and clear during rugby

A New Plymouth resident had mixed reactions after Taranaki were bundled out contesting the Mitre 10 rugby championship final by the Tasman Makos on Saturday.

While the rugby side lost 30-29, for the first time in 10 years Kenmore St homeowner Margaret Fox was able to get in and out of her driveway without side swiping a parked car.

Fox, and her husband Mel, have lived on the corner of Kenmore and Whitby Streets for a decade close to Yarrow Stadium, the Taranaki rugby team’s home ground.

As well as a full season of rugby, the 22,000 seat capacity stadium hosts football, cricket and other events through the year.

On most event days cars line the street near the Foxes’ house, sometimes overlapping their driveway entrance.

The issue wasn’t with the number of events held at the stadium but inconsiderate drivers, Fox said.

During a Ranfurly Shield clash against Manawatu in early October two cars parked close to the driveway preventing Fox from driving into the property late at night.

Her husband came to the rescue and negotiated a three point turning manoeuvre to allow her car to be parked safely in the driveway.

Afterwards Fox notified the police and the New Plymouth District Council and called for parking wardens to patrol side streets near the rugby ground.

On Saturday during the Mitre 10 semifinal there were fewer cars than usual parked on the street, she said.

‘‘For the first time in 10 years we have lived here we didn’t have a problem.’’

There were a few cars parked close to the driveway but they didn’t obstruct us getting in and out.

‘‘Normally on big events we are parked out.’’

Motorists are not allowed to park within six metres of an intersection and can be fined or towed if they do.