Complaints over double parking at beauty spots
FAMILIES have been criticised for causing major traffic issues around Staffordshire beauty spots after double parking on tight country lanes.
Council bosses say they received a number of complaints about bad parking causing problems at beauty spots, including Cannock Chase and The Roaches. Now they have warned people they risk being fined.
During lockdown people have flocked to the Staffordshire countryside as venues such as swimming pools and gyms have been closed.
It has meant spots such as Cannock Chase have been much busier than usual. Countryside rangers have appealed to motorists to think of others and not cause obstructions when they park up, especially on country lanes. They have been told not to park in lanes and only use official car parks or risk getting a parking ticket.
Staffordshire County Council chiefs have issued a picture of cars doubled parked at Cannock Chase. Rangers have warned drivers they also risk delaying emergency vehicles if they double park and clog up roads.
The council has said anyone not parking in official parking areas could be given a parking ticket as parking attendants will be patrolling at key locations across the region.
The rangers have also said that any illegal parking makes it difficult for dog walkers and people from outside different social bubbles to enjoy the countryside in a socially distant manner as they are forced to weave past parked cars.
Cabinet member for highways and transport David Williams said: “With many shops, leisure facilities and hospitality businesses closed during this second lockdown, people have been turning to our country parks and open spaces for exercise and enjoyment. “While it’s great that our green spaces remain open and people are still able to visit, we are seeing many more visitors than usual. This means that parking spaces get snapped up really quickly with some people then choosing to park inappropriately causing damage to this fragile environment.” “It’s really important that people only park in the official spaces. It is also vital that emergency vehicles can gain access to these locations at all times and are not obstructed by inconsiderately parked vehicles.” Councillor Williams also reminded visitors to follow Covid-19 advice and dog walkers should keep pets on leads. Over the border in Derbyshire there were major issues in the summer at Foremark Reservoir, near Repton, with visitors parked illegally. The hot weather saw large numbers of visitors flock to the site when lockdown restrictions were eased, causing traffic problems on nearby Repton Road.
It’s really important that people only park in the official spaces. Councillor David Williams