Recently the council (Three Rivers) decided to start ticketing residents of The Hoe for parking on the pavement outside their homes in the cul-de-sac. This began due to a car parking improperly, half on the pavement, blocking a dustbin van from entering and being able to do their job. This penalty was completely understandable and no resident takes issue with it. However, the council decided after that to continue ticketing people (every 3 days) who were responsibly parked on the pavement, a practice that has been happening for years. We have been parking on a section outside our homes, which is not obstructing anyone, including council services. We understand if people park unfairly, obstructing other vehicles, that they should be penalised; but general day to day parking that doesn't adversely affect the residents, but actually benefits them, should not be enforced by the council.

There has not been any clear signage to say we can't park completely on the pavement, the double yellow and other lines on the cul-de-sac have faded, and multiple residents have been told this is private land. There should be no basis to be penalised.

Not only do these fines burden us financially, but they also create unnecessary tension within our community. There is not enough parking in the cul-de-sac for all the residents vehicles and if these spaces aren't available the parking will spill out onto other roads causing disruption for residents elsewhere who will suddenly find themselves competing for spaces. It is not it the public interest to take these spots away, and just because the council can ticket someone doesn't mean they should.

We all want to work together harmoniously with our local authorities, but these measures are pushing us in the wrong direction. In similar situations, many councils have opted to consult with residents to find sensible parking solutions that respect the needs and rights of everyone involved, and we believe our council should do the same.

Over the last few weeks the council seems to have stopped sending officers to ticket on the road which seems to be a concession that they understand it is not in the public interest. I am surprised in that case that previous PCNs are being upheld in spite of this. It is also worth noting that whilst the council says that the pavements are not part of our private property, we have collectively had to spend a large sum of money having them resurfaced. If the council is claiming ownership why have we had to do this? And can we assume they will take over fiscal responsibility of the road henceforth?

We urge the council to reconsider this aggressive ticketing approach. There needs to be an open dialogue between residents and council officials to find a fair and sustainable parking solution for everyone in the cul-de-sac. Let's work towards a resolution that acknowledges the rights of residents to utilise their private property and maintains the safety and functionality of our communal spaces.

Please support us by signing this petition to stop the unfair parking fines imposed on residents parking on their private land. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our rights are respected.