HOMEOWNERS in Petersfield have hit out at a campaign against parking restrictions on residential roads, claiming it has been spearheaded by the Òsomething-for-nothing brigade.Ó
They claim that their driveways have been blocked and it is impossible for emergency vehicles to reach their houses.
The campaign was launched by shop worker Matt Davidson last week when he discovered that Hampshire County Council planned to turn Weston Road, Herne Road, Heath Road West and Sussex Road into restricted-parking areas.
He said he and other lower- paid workers could not afford to pay around £780 a year for pay-and-display parking in the town.
He claimed that if the restrictions went ahead, he would be forced to leave his job in Petersfield.
He also said that East Hampshire District Council had stopped all-day parking in the townÕs central car park earlier this year and put up prices in the Festival Hall car park.
Mr Davidson said he was frustrated to discover that this had been to encourage the short-stay shoppers into the town.
ÒBut no consideration has been given to the people who actually bring the shoppers into the town Ð the staff of local businesses. Without us there would be no shops, therefore no shoppers, then no town.Ó
Residents of Weston Road hit back this week. They said that after many months of complaints to Hampshire County Council, the restrictions had finally been proposed to enable residents to enter and exit their homes safely.
Steve Conroy, a resident of Weston Road, said: ÒImagine my anger at the behaviour of an individual who is attempting to persuade Hampshire County Council to continue to allow free parking in these residential roads.
ÒLetters have been distributed on cars asking people to write objecting to the proposals on the grounds that they will have to pay to park their cars.Ó
He said the actions of those who parked in the roads demonstrated a complete lack of concern for local residents, as emergency vehicles would find it difficult to get into any property in Weston Road.
He added: ÒSo before this something-for-nothing brigade attempt to maintain their free parking slots, I suggest they take a dose of common sense medicine and look at the whole picture.Ó
Anne Charles, also of Weston Road, said: ÒI am not alone in experiencing a number of near-misses as I edge out of my drive. This is, of course, supposing that the parked cars have left us enough room to get out of our drives.
ÒEven when the drive is not blocked and cars are parked on both sides of Weston Road, it is impossible to take the camper-van out, this being used to transport a severely disabled passenger on much-needed trips.Ó
She suggested that Mr Davidson should buy an older car and use the balance to pay for all-day parking.
But this week Mr Davidson told The Herald: ÒI donÕt think itÕs relevant what sort of car I drive.
ÒI think itÕs a bit cheeky to tell me to sell my car to pay for car parking. A fellow worker has a car which cost him less than it would to park in a Petersfield car park all day for a year.Ó
He said he had spoken to police and tradersÕ leaders in Petersfield in an attempt to get better parking for shop workers.
ÒI understand the problems that the residents are having and IÕm not against them.
ÒBut I think we should have a specially designated area for parking and a compromise over the restrictions in residential roads so that there are yellow lines protecting peopleÕs driveways but also enough space for parking on the other side of the roads.Ó
ÔWe donÕt want something for nothing,Ó he added. ÒWe come to Petersfield to do our jobs and service their shopping needs.
ÒWithout us it would be more difficult for these people to get what they want to buy in Petersfield.Ó