I AM writing regarding your publication of C O’Neill’s letter on March 10 about the traffic and parking issues around Orchard Lane.

I am also a local resident frustrated by the traffic and have made several complaints to the police and local councillors regarding the parking in the area.

Prior to the introduction of the double yellow lines on the streets surrounding Orchard Lane we were assured that the parking problems would be alleviated.

However the blatant disregard for parking laws has become quite shocking.

I regularly witness drivers – many of which are NHS staff – parking on the corners and over the double yellow lines, often obscuring the junctions and preventing residents from parking near their own homes. I have even had drivers blocking the street for several minutes as I get in my car in the morning, in an attempt to secure their parking space.

I am very surprised that there are not more accidents due to the number of drivers that cut the corners, often at speed and/or while on their mobile phone.

As pointed out by C O’Neill, the ambulance station is situated on Orchard Lane and ambulances frequently struggle to negotiate the streets due to inconsiderate parking and drivers.

I have also seen vehicles damaged by passing lorries and stubborn drivers refusing to give way to others.

I have been assured that the PCSOs are monitoring the area. However I am yet to see any action or parking tickets being issued.

I have also researched the possibility of having permits introduced to the area, only to be told by councillors that I will have to arrange a petition of the area myself before it will be considered, as there are no plans to introduce a further permit area due to there being nowhere else to force the parking for hospital visitors and NHS staff.

I am led to believe that the charge for the staff to park is roughly £20 per month. Surely they can afford to pay what would probably, for the normal five-day week that most of them work, equate to £1 per day.

Perhaps that petition should be made possible. I hope that fellow residents would support it and would also like to urge the council to reconsider the introduction of permits around Orchard Lane/Charles Street and the surrounding area.

Name and address supplied