Whose been parking on my verge. Submitted 21 Jan 2008

The following are photographs taken recently in and around the parish (mid January/updated during February) of the damage caused by vehicles parking on pavements and driving across and over grass verges.

Vehicles parking on grass verges is common place in many areas in the parish. This occurs mainly where the road layout was designed before the days of mass vehicle ownership. Parking of this type causes damage to the verges which makes it difficult for them to be properly mowed and maintained. It also spoils the overall look of the street.

The majority of homes have more than one vehicle and as a consequence parking on the verges is the easiest option for some however, it is not just cars that are causing the damage................

The subject was broached at a recent LFE Parish council meeting (Thursday 21st Feb 08) and those present were advised by the chairman that correspondence had been received from those responsible for undertaking repairs to verges.

Below is an extract from a report presented at the Harborough Highways Forum with regards to 'Damage to Highway Verges'. Headed 'Report of the Director of Highways Transportation and Waste Management' and is just a brief outline of proposals on how to address problems with verges due to vehicular damage discussed at the Forum. >> Read the full text of the forum by following this link. <<

The Purpose of Note: To advise the forum of proposals to define a consistent practice with regard to damaged highway verges.

Summary of Proposed Practice for Damaged Highway Verges

It is increasingly difficult within the limitations of the highway maintenance budget to give priority to highway verges that are damaged through either parking or over riding.

Therefore, these will no longer be repaired except in the following circumstances:

Where repair or improvements of a highway verge are required as part of a scheme to address road safety, meeting the usual criteria required in bringing forward road safety improvements.

Where repair or improvements to a highway verge should reasonably be included within highway maintenance works proposed at the same location, (the highway maintenance works meeting the usual criteria to be undertaken).

Where repair or improvements to a highway verge should reasonably be included within highway improvement works proposed at the same location, (the highway maintenance works meeting the usual criteria to be undertaken).

Where another authority or third party wholly funds repairs or improvements to a highway verge. In all cases, the County Council will remain as proactive as possible in resolving verge problems within these constraints.

So there you have it! Are you happy with the state of the grass verges, do you park on or drive over them?

Why not contact Councillor David Parsons would I'm sure be pleased to receive your comments and opinions on the state of your grass verges.

You can contact him via email dparsons@leics.gov.uk or telephone Bus. Phone: 0116 265 6100

Local properties in this area, all have their own off-road parking and the vehicle owner was certainly not visiting either of the properties outside which it was parked. A local man reported the vehicle to the police, in case the car had been stolen and left there.

Do you have any solutions or thoughts on this matter? Please let is know via email, our Contact page or via the forum

You may contact the Parish Council Direct using the online form on their website to advise the clerk of the council of any village problems which need attention. These include faults i.e. Road Potholes, Street Lights Out, Faulty Play Equipment, Vandalism, Bins Full/Broken or any matters which you wish to bring to the attention of the council.

Don't ignore it................. report it

The following are photographs taken recently in and around the parish (mid January 08) of pavements and what remains of the grass verges and pavements.

Charnwood Drive #1 Jan 08 >>

Here you can see the damage caused by vehicles driving over and parking on the grass verges outside Candy Heads ‘ hairdressers and possibly caused by its customers.

However this has been made worse by visitors to Booze Busters who reverse when leaving the car park and on to the verge.

This in turn leads drivers to think that it is ok to use the verge as a turning area as they are a mess anyway

Charnwood Drive #1a Apr 08 >>

Is this the way forward?

The photograph above was taken after remedial work was completed to rectify the damage caused to the verge by vehicles driving over it.

<< Charnwood Drive #2 Update Feb 08

Is this the way forward to protect our pathways and highways from inconsiderate users of motor vehicles?

Full marks to Blaby District Council as at last some action has been taken to prevent parking outside Candy Heads Hairdressers by installing miniature bollards on the verges. I understand that the shop owner has agreed to repair the other remaining area.

Charnwood Drive #3 Jan 08 >>

Further down the road at its junction with Hinckley Road, the kerbstone has been damaged and raised by vehicles cutting the corner when turning left.

This has created a hazard to pedestrians including of course the visually impaired people who use this side of the road frequently.

<< Charnwood Drive #4 Update Feb 08

This is another photo taken a week later at the same location of the kerbstone at the junction of Charnwood Drive. Vehicles continually driving over the kerbstone has caused it to lift and become dangerous.

Currently the kerbstone is protruding well above pavement level and it will only get worse.....where there's blame there's a claim!

<< Charnwood Drive #4a Update Apr 08

The photograph on the left was taken after the kerbstone was reset (and it had rained!)

It is so much safer however, the standing water could cause a problem for some.....

<< Grange Avenue #2 Update Feb 08

This is another photo taken a week later at the same location as above at the corner of Grange Avenue

You can judge for yourself if there has been any improvement in driving standards of vehicles emerging from Grange Avenue

Grange Avenue #3 Jan 08 >>

More damage on the opposite corner of Grange Avenue clearly shows the damage caused by refuse collectors and other vehicles.

The initial damage was caused by the drivers of the Blaby District Council garbologist vehicles

Due to the amount of heavy vehicles moving across it, the inspection cover eventually gave way and collapsed causing a dangerous trip hazard for pedestrians until the cover could be replaced.

The kerbstone has also been damaged one of which is protruding and another has sunk under the weight of vehicles.

<< Grange Avenue #4 Update Feb 08

Further damage has been caused to this grassed verge area and kerbstones

Grange Avenue #5 Update Feb 08 >>

Further damage has been caused to the kerb stones , the shadow of the kerbstone illustrates how much out of alignment the kerbstones are!

<< Grange Avenue #6 Update Feb 08

Further damage has been caused to this grassed verge area and kerbstones. The kerbstones can clearly be seen to be out of alignment.

The DHL vehicle was photographed parked on the grass verge

Not all the damage was caused by the DHL van however, once someone drives over a verge other motorists see it as fair game to do the same and follow suit.

<< Outside 139 Hinckley Road opposite petrol station#1 Jan 08

It appears that most of this damage is being caused by National Grid.

The contractors who are carrying out maintenance work in the area, park a lot of their heavy machinery at the rear of the church.

Contractors working on the renovation the house and wall at 139 Hinckley Road are also adding to the damage caused to the verge and the pavement.

Outside 139 Hinckley Road opposite petrol station#1 Jan 08 >>

Since the original photographs were taken the areas look even worse than shown here.

Following heavy rain and the insistence of lazy and inconsiderate use of vehicles - a sign of the times?

The Council have been made aware of the situation and some action will be taken to try and stop the pavement and grassed areas being used as a second road and shortcut.

<< Outside 139 Hinckley Road opposite petrol station#1 Jan08

Maybe the answer is to install bollards on all stretches along the Hinckley Road.

Remember the mess that caused by vehicles using the grass verges opposite Forboys newsagents as a 'safe place' to stop?

Not any more since the bollards were put in place – the verges have all returned to normal.

Most pavements are not designed to carry vehicles and parking on them can cause damage which adds to maintenance costs.

The following group of photographs were taken on the 16 Feb 08. It is quite clear that the situation has not improved and further damage has been caused by vehicles being driven on the footpaths and verges causing considerable damage and potential trip hazards

<< St Andrews Church. Jan 08

Damage has been caused to the verge and also the slabs have cracked causing a trip hazard.

I think a visit by our traffic wardens wouldn't go amiss, a £60 fine

Parking on pavements can force pedestrians, wheelchair users and people with pushchairs onto the road where they are at risk of collision with motor vehicles.

Parking on pavements causes particular problems for people with poor eyesight and/or people with mobility difficulties.

These are just a few of the grass verges that have been ruined, the majority of which are by vehicles driving or parking on them. There may be a time when you could expect a ticket for parking on what is essentially the pavement, the sooner the better.

What are your views – know of any more ‘grot’ spots? Are you proud to live in Leicester Forest East but fed up with litter, graffiti, damaged verges, fly posters inconsiderate parking?.........

Please let is know via email, our Contact page or via the forum