In reply to a letter “What price waiting limits”

(January 27), I make the following points.

To the accusation I have been flip-flopping on my opinions, I have checked my records and I advocated in my winter newsletter 2007 a two-pronged approach to the problems of commuter parking in my ward, Grange, Rayleigh.

Rochford District Council at that time increased the fees from £3.50 a day to £4 and I challenged the increase, pointing out that it put off parking at the station and forced the cars into side roads. I have continued to press the point.

I have not said the cost of parking restrictions is too costly, but was pointing out any drop of receipts that may happen to the council’s car park if fees are reduced has to be offset against the cost of providing parking restrictions in a road. The complicated point seems to have been somewhat lost in translation.

If you live in a road where commuters park it can be a misery. These cars are parked often from 7am and left unattended for ten hours. It’s not just a case of trying to reverse out of your drive with a car parked opposite.

We have had cases in some side roads where refuse vehicles and delivery vans have had problems.

Only the police have the authority to move vehicles from the highway if there are no parking restrictions.

Both Langdon Road and Danbury Road are tree lined and the other year the pollarding of these trees was constantly delayed as attempts were made to persuade car owners not to park in the area where work was to be done.

Given all this I consider it is the duty of the ward councillor to press the authorities to take action.

Some form of parking restriction is necessary.

CJ Lumley
Lib Dem councillor
London Road
Rayleigh