Havant Borough Council is asking drivers to consider others when parking their vehicles.
Parking on grass verges and pavements is a persistent problem in the borough of Havant and can be detrimental to people with sight and mobility difficulties, those with prams and pushchairs and the elderly. It can also be dangerous to other motorists when their line of vision is blocked.
Pavements and verges are not designed or constructed to take the weight of a car or goods vehicle. As a result, damage is often caused to the surface leaving it unsightly with dangerous cracks, grooves, and dips for pedestrians to navigate past. It can also damage what is beneath, such as drainage and sewage pipes.
Councillor Elizabeth Lloyd, Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, said: “As local councillors, we receive many complaints from residents on the condition of verges that have been persistently parked on.
“We also hear from motorists about the hazards caused when vehicles are parked without any consideration on a bend, narrow road or junction. It also stops others from enjoying the green and open space.
“We do recognise there are parts of the borough where parking with two wheels on the pavement is necessary because there is no off-street parking space. However, where residents do have space on their property together with a dropped kerb, it’s good sense and consideration for others, to park off-street, making our residential roads easier and safer to drive through.
“Our plea to residents and visitors is to please think carefully about where you are parking your vehicle in the borough.”
Parking restrictions are in place around the borough and are indicated by yellow lines; these apply to the carriageway, pavement and grass verges.
Residents are reminded that parking their vehicle on a verge where there are yellow lines can result in a penalty charge notice (PCN) being issued.