Ewell could get Surrey's first ever no parking on verges zone

The council recently gained new powers to create the zones and plans to undertake a trial in an area of Ewell where residents have complained about the problem.

Coun Eber Kington

County Councillor Eber Kington said he had suggested the area of Ewell Court Avenue through to Pams Way because there are only four ways into the estate that would need signs.

In a letter to residents Coun Kington said: "One of the most frequent concerns raised with me by residents is parking on, and damage to, grass verges.

"Most residents take a pride in how their front gardens and drives look and get frustrated when the verges outside their home are damaged and rutted by inconsiderate parking or visiting delivery vans and lorries, without any apparent consequence for those committing the damage."

Grey Astra on Ewell Court Avenue

He said parking on footways and verges in London is an offence but Surrey County Council only recently acquired powers to enforce no parking zones for verges.

He said: "As a result Surrey Highways have been left with a situation whereby verges have to be repaired, often on a regular basis, or posts installed - all at the council taxpayers’ expense.

"If a No Verge Parking Zone is introduced it will be monitored by the parking attendants who monitor the yellow line waiting restrictions and they are able to issue a fixed penalty notice to the owner of any vehicle parked on a verge."

Red Clio on Fairfield Way

Residents in the proposed zone will be asked for their view in a forthcoming public consultation.

The council wants to trial the ban after the Department of Transport recently authorised signs that allow local authorities to implement a ban on verge parking over a zone.

The area in Ewell Court was chosen for the trial because unnecessary parking on verges has caused damage there and it only has four entry points that require signs.

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