URGENT action is needed to tackle parking problems in Laindon, a Basildon councillor says.

Laindon Park Tory member Jilly Hyde fears it may only be a matter of time before reckless parking by commuters leads to a death.

She had stern words for Tory county councillor Tracey Chapman, who is responsible for highways, for not helping solve the problem.

Mrs Hyde said she had been inundated with complaints from people living near Laindon station, about commuters parking in surrounding streets to avoid paying to use the station car park.

Cars left in streets including Somerset Road, Durham Road, Suffolk Drive, Bedford Road and Crosse Courts are blocking driveways and sometimes the roads themselves.

In Durham Road, as many as 40 commuters park on a bend opposite Second Steps nursery, making it hard for parents to drop off children. Their cars also obstruct the view of pedestrians crossing the road.

Residents at Crosse Courts have also ended up arguing with commuters, after leaving notes on cars asking them to park elsewhere.

Mrs Hyde has repeatedly called on County Hall to introduce parking restrictions, but has been told there have not been enough serious or fatal accidents there to warrant the move.

Mrs Hyde said: “Tracey Chapman could change this and make a difference. Instead, she has said putting in yellow lines would cost money and these areas don’t meet the safety criteria.

“But why do they want to wait for something serious to happen before they taken action?”

A statement from Mrs Chapman, said: “If vehicles are causing an obstruction the police have the power to act, as this is a criminal offence.

“We will only fund restrictions if they fall into three categories. Requests which do not fall within these categories are referred to the South Essex Parking Partnership to consider and fund.”