Taking Action to Deal with the Problem of Verge Parking

Unlawful parking on verges can be a real blight in local neighbourhoods. Sometimes the problem is caused by lazy, inconsiderate parking, while in other cases there are genuine issues over a lack of space for local residents to park their vehicles. However, there is no escaping the fact that it can be a real problem. In many neighbourhoods, churned up verges are a real eyesore, while verge parking can be hazardous to road users and pedestrians and can block access to emergency vehicles. In the past, Bedford Borough Council effectively turned a blind eye to the problem. There was next-to-no enforcement of verge parking laws due to the difficulty in carrying it out. While it is undoubtedly a difficult issue, I am not prepared to accept inaction on this, and that is why the Council is now tackling the problem.

As Leader of the Lib Dem group, I forced additional money into the first budget of the new unitary Borough Council for verge parking improvements. This enabled the Council to look at what could be done on a case-by-case basis; in some areas, 'grasscrete' (a plastic mesh which allows grass to grow through but protects the surface) may be the answer, while in others additional parking provision may be feasible. This additional money allowed the Council to start taking action last year. As a ward Councillor for Kingsbrook, I used some of the ward Council money devolved to Councillors for the use of grasscrete along Barford Avenue which suffers acutely from this problem.

Now, as Mayor, I am pleased to say the Council is stepping up its enforcement of verge parking. We've announced that, where a basic criteria has been met, we will inform local residents that enforcement will begin and erect the signs which are required before any enforcement can take place. The criteria, of which just one must be met before we move to introduce enforcement, are as follows:

• There is clear evidence to the Council that verge parking is affecting the safety of pedestrians

• There is extensive physical damage to the footway or verge making it difficult to maintain

• There is damage to services, such as cables, in the verge

• There is a recommendation from the Police, Fire or Ambulance Service that the street be subject to unlawful parking enforcement

The introduction of enforcement activity must also have the support of local Ward Councillors.

Leaflets will be issued to all households in the street to advise on the unlawfulness of verge parking and the Council's intention to introduce enforcement, while signs will also be erected on the verges. After a grace period, penalty charge notices will be issued to drivers parking unlawfully.

Any action taken must not simply move problems one or two streets away, and as I say, in many areas there are real problems of a shortage of parking. We will therefore monitor the effects of any action very closely after enforcement is introduced in any area.