Anger as new parking row erupts

ANOTHER controversial parking row has today erupted in Ipswich after double yellow lines were slapped over spaces - much to residents' disgust.

Those living in Gymnasium Street - close to Orford Street which has also been bombarded with various parking restrictions in recent weeks - are outraged after double yellow lines replaced single yellows, meaning that they can no longer park there after 6pm.

The changes have been implemented as part of Ipswich Borough Council's review of parking restrictions in the area.

The new measures in Orford Street infuriated residents after double yellow lines were painted around all corners and four parking bays were moved from one side of the road to the other. The decision has since been overturned and the bays are set to return to their original positions.

Now householders in Gymnasium Street, a quiet residential area which used to have single yellow line on one side and double yellow lines on the other, feel they are being persecuted.

Robert Bennett, 31, said: “I have a van for work and as we cannot afford two parking permits, I used to park the van on the single yellow line after 6pm. There is nowhere else to park.

“It is not a busy street. The parking in Bramford Lane is atrocious so I don't see why they pick on us.”

Another resident, Ben Cook, said: “I have lived here for nine years and I have always been able to park outside. These double yellow lines mean we have lost about seven spaces for cars.

“This area is being targeted by the council. There is no reason for it. I think it is just creating a haven for traffic wardens because there is literally nowhere to park around here.

“I don't see why they couldn't have turned it into permit spaces. It is so frustrating.”

Council bosses say the new measures were implemented because the existing single yellow line was not actually enforceable as there are no signs outlining the restrictions. Although residents adhered to the rules, they would not have been breaking the law to park on the line before 6pm.

The pavement is too narrow to erect poles displaying the restrictions so the council opted to introduce double yellow lines which do not require signs.

Portfolio holder for transport and highways Paul West said: “In making the changes we reviewed all the restrictions that were in place already. One thing I will never be able to solve is to conjure up more parking spaces, given the increasing numbers of people with more cars.”

What is your view on the council's parking enforcements? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.