LOCALS in Earley have hit out at selfish drivers for blocking roads and footpaths to avoid paying “extortionate” parking charges.
The situation has become so bad, a petition has been launched demanding Reading Borough Council drops the current £10 daily parking fee at Pepper Lane.
It is claimed this would stop drivers dumping their vehicles on neighbouring side streets preventing locals from parking their own vehicles and causing dangerous obstructions.
Councillor Pauline Jorgensen started the petition which has already gained 120 signatures after fed-up locals complained their streets were being used as a free car park.
“The £10 daily charge at Pepper Lane is excessive and rather than paying it, motorists are leaving their vehicles on nearby streets,” she explained.
“Often vehicles are simply left on corners which is very dangerous as it blocks the view of other drivers. Other motorists are obstructing driveways so local people have trouble getting in and out.
“I have been told there are lots of white vans in particular being left all day which implies builders working around the area want to avoid paying £10 per day. The solution is for Reading Borough Council to drop the extortionate daily charge which would actually increase its income and remove the nuisance caused.”
One local resident who contacted The Wokingham Paper said she faced a daily struggle just to get out of her own driveway.
“Every morning I look out the window and see lots of cars and especially vans clogging up the street. It is obvious they belong to people who do not live here but are using it as a free car park,” she said.
“In a way, I understand where they are coming from. Who wants to pay £10 when you can leave your vehicle on a street all day and pay nothing? But their selfish actions are causing mayhem and people are very angry. Reading Borough Council can’t be earning much income from the Pepper Lane car park so why not charge a more reasonable fee which would solve the issue.”
Reading Borough Council has been approached for comment.
You can see the petition at www.change.org – search for Reading Pepper Lane Parking Charges.
