The Parish Council are aware of the inconsiderate parking from a minority of car drivers bringing children to football matches at the weekends during football season. This is a problem for some of our residents, which we would like to see resolved, whilst also encouraging sport to be played on our pitches.
We have been talking with West Hallam Junior Football Club about this. WHJFC have amended literature and sent this out to parents and carers of their own team as well as the opposition teams. WHJFC have also changed their match fixtures so that there is no cross-over of matches, ensuring that there is enough time for drivers to leave before the next match begins. WHJFC are unable to provide car parking stewards due to availability and insurance reasons.
With this in mind, the Parish Council are now encouraging residents to report any obstructive or nuisance parking to the authorities.
What is classed as nuisance parking?
Nuisance parking refers to situations where a vehicle is parked in a manner that causes inconveniences, obstruction, or danger to others. For example:
- Parking in front of a driveway, preventing the homeowner from accessing or leaving their property.
- Blocking access to essential services or emergency vehicles, such as parking to close to emergency exits or in designated lanes.
- Double parking
- Parking on pavements
- Parking too close to a junction, typically within 10 metres
- Abandoning a vehicle
- Blocking access to public facilities such as bus stops, cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings, and school entrances.
It is recommended that if someone continually parks in front of a house the following can be considered:
- If someone regularly parks in front of your house and it’s causing inconvenience or frustration, start by talking to them. They may not know they are causing a problem and need you to explain how their parking affects you, such as blocking your view or access.
- If the problem persists, keep a record of the times and dates when they park in front of your house. You should also record the make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle so you have the information to hand should you need to escalate the issue later.
- If the issue is illegal parking, you should contact your local council/police. They may be able to take enforcement action.
Who to Contact?
Derbyshire County Council employ Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO). CEOs are responsible for enforcing:
- limited waiting bays
- double and single yellow lines
- on street pay and display bays
- residents’ parking zones
- Blue Badge bays
- loading bays
- bus stops
- taxi bays
- school keep clears
- clearways
- dropped kerb access (also police)
- double-parking (also police)
- pedestrian crossings (also police)
- car parks (with orders)
Please contact DCC directly: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/contact-us/contact-us.aspx
Don’t forget to keep a record of times, dates, make, model and number plates so that you can demonstrate when the problem occurs. The more information DCC have, the better equipped they will be to take action.
More information on Anti-Social behaviour can also be found on the Anti-social Behaviour Hub https://sway.cloud.microsoft/huwx5GZOlhdTktHt?ref=Link