10:10pm Tuesday 16th September 2008
By Sarah Hilley
DEBATE on whether drivers should be fined for parking on grass verges is going nowhere.
The Adver last week printed a letter from Margaret Price, of Old Town, who describes the damage caused by cars and vans on grass verges as shameful.
Coun David Glaholm (Ind, Penhill) has called for Swindon Council to unleash traffic wardens on drivers who park on grass.
But But Coun Peter Greenhalgh, the council’s cabinet member for highways, transport and strategic planning, says the council needs to find another answer.
He said: “I don’t believe the best solution is issuing tickets left right and centre. If there is an issue with safety then yes, I would expect officers to deal with that.
“But not on day to day activities. I would rather we came up with a practical solution.”
Coun Glaholm said: “We have a problem with cars parking on the grass between the edge of roads and footpaths all over the borough.
“It is unsightly and the grass turns into mud which is spread onto roads making them dangerous. I think it is just selfish, as most drivers can park in their gardens.
“To do nothing is no longer an option and we are coming into another winter and no action has been taken.”
Alan Fletcher of the Swindon and District Branch Guide Dogs For The Blind Association says cars parking on grass verges can be dangerous for people who are visually impaired.
He said: “I don’t think people realise it is illegal for them to park on the verges so I think it is important to educate people first. Then if they don’t listen, using traffic wardens may be an option.”
Last week Margaret Price’s letter appeared in the Adver calling for grass verges to be kept clear of vehicles.
Her letter said: “What really aggravates me is the number of households that think it’s okay to park their vehicles on the grass verges of the Lakeside avenues and there are several on Greywethers Avenue guilty of this.
“If it were their grass it would be different but it's not, it’s our grass, maintained by the council and paid for from our rates.
“The damage done by the cars and vans constantly being driven on to these verges is immense and can only be described as vandalism.”
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