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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Olimpia Zagnat

Fury as street next to Colwick Country Park becomes 'racetrack' after parking measures put in place

Neighbours have voiced their frustration over new parking measures that have turned a residential road into a 'racetrack'. Double yellow lines were painted in Mile End Road, next to Colwick Country Park, after complaints over "dangerous" parking at junctions surrounding the park last year.

It happened as drivers flocked to Colwick Country Park for fresh air during the ongoing lockdown, obstructing access to residents in the area. But now, many said the street has become a "nightmare" for speeding.

Wendy Judge, who is in her 80s, said: "We are not allowed to have visitors or friends coming over anymore because they have nowhere to park. We have never had double yellow lines here. It is like a racetrack now."

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Ms Judge has lived on Mile End Road since 1968. She added: "I just feel very isolated now because my friends have to park all the way in the parking area at the park. They cannot park here.

"Nobody can come and visit me anymore. Drivers are speeding on the road quicker than before because of the double lines.

"It is dreadful. It is an absolute nightmare.

A general view of the Mile End Road next to the Colwick Country Park (Olimpia Zagnat)

"We all knew that people were coming to the park during lockdown, they had nothing else to do. But we all knew that it was going to be temporary.

"Now it is worse than before. I have never seen anything like this."

Ian Wilson, also a neighbour in the area, has echoed the concerns over speeding on the road. He added: "I think that parking seems to be better.

"We no longer have the issue that we had last year. But we now have issues with speeding."

The 73-year-old added: "Last year they put cones to stop people from parking ilegally, but I have never thought they were good because people would throw them in the lake. Instead of parking here now we have cars speeding on the road.

"I think it is very worrying. We have to protect the wildlife because it is so close to the park.

"You have got squirrels and cats crossing the road. It is just not sensible for cars to speed here."

He also called for speed limits to be introduced. Mr Wilson added: "We have to be more thoughtful about wildlife."

Emma Smith, 40, who is also a resident on the street, said: "I think it was a problem last year, but it got better. They introduced extra parking and people do not park here anymore.

"I think it used to happen last year because people did not have anything else to do. It is not that bad anymore."

Nottinghamshire County Council were approached for comment and Gary Wood, Head of Highways and Transport, said they have been addressing a number of parking issues around Mile End Road and the nearby residential streets since 2020.

"We have introduced both permanent and temporary measures to mitigate against increased pressures that were in part generated by the pandemic," he said. "We continue to talk with local residents and seek solutions to issues as they arise.

"We ask that motorists always consider how their parking will affect other road users, including emergency vehicles who may not be able to attend an emergency if parking causes an obstruction.

“When parking, it is important to do so in a way that does not inconvenience and endanger others. Parking good practice tips can be found on our website.

"As with all speed limits, we rely on road users driving appropriately and respectfully within the limit. Where speeding does occur, it is an enforceable offence and tickets are issued by Nottinghamshire Police.”

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