RESIDENTS on an estate are at risk of being fined for parking on their own driveways, after a council painted double yellow lines right outside their homes.
Maciej Gawlik has lived on the same street in Southampton for eight years – and claims at least two of his neighbours have already been fined.
The lines were painted on Mansfield Park Street three years ago right in front of homes, making it a struggle to park – and residents say wardens are targeting the area, as a result.
They claim at times two wardens will be issuing tickets on the street in the same day.
Maciej, 43, said his neighbour was slapped with a fine because his tyre was brushing one of the lines.
He can’t fit his in the garage and its now too big for the drive, so like others, he is forced to risk the wrath of the wardens.
Maciej said despite it being a new development with lots of first time buyers and growing families, “no thought” has gone into providing driveways and garages big enough for family cars.
He told the Southern Daily Echo: “It’s outrageous – so many of the people here have had to downsize their cars just so that they can fit them on their driveway.
“We have families with five children and they are being squeezed into a tiny Ford Fiesta – all because the council think they can come and make a bit of fast cash.”
Locals say they’ve been served £30 parking charges, which increase to £70 if not paid within two weeks.
Fellow resident, Kelly Taylor, 34, told the newspaper because there’s no space for visitors, one person is not able to come see his mum who has cancer.
Natasha Harding, 37, said she approached the council about buying an area of “wasted” green space next to her flat to turn into parking, but was “instantly shut down”.
Councillor Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport on Southampton City Council said: “Double yellow lines are used to enable the free flow of vehicles, especially emergency vehicles and service vehicles, in any particular area.
“Residents can request a review of the parking restrictions in their area through the form on our website.
“Drivers who receive a Penalty Charge Notice are entitled to submit an appeal on our website.”
The council did not wish to comment further when contacted by The Sun.
