Parking clampdown around Southwater Country Park

Dozens of complaints have been made about people parking in Cripplegate Lane in Southwater.

Residents say cars have been parking along the side of the narrow road, mounting the kerb and blocking access for vehicles and pedestrians.

Horsham District Council said the problem had been caused by the popularity of Dinosaur Island over the summer holidays and the warm summer weather.

A spokesman said: “Horsham District Council has taken urgent action to deal with inconsiderate drivers who park along Cripplegate Lane – that runs at the side of Southwater Country Park.

“A temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) authorised by West Sussex County Council was put in place on Friday (August 19) which will enable council officers to enforce on-street parking restrictions along the lane and therefore ease congestion and improve access for local residents.”

The Country Park has two designated car parks, off Worthing Road and Station Road.

Last Wednesday (August 17) the council opened an overflow car park at Ben’s Field.

It has created 70 extra spaces but has not been able to reduce the problem.

“Despite additional parking being made available, visitors still parked thoughtlessly on residential roads, causing obstructions and access issues,” a council spokesman said.

“The council will be applying to West Sussex County Council for a permanent Traffic Regulation Order, whilst the temporary order is in place, to cover the season from April through to October each year. The council’s request for the order will be subject to normal consultation. If the TRO is approved, arrangements will made for the necessary signs and road markings to be provided and final notices will be advertised in a local paper stating when the Order will come into effect.”

Residents, however, have blamed the introduction of a £1.50 parking charge, brought in by the council in July, for the problems.

Jonathan Chowen, deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture at HDC, said: “We are of course very pleased that the Southwater Country Park and the Dinosaur Island Play Area is as popular as it is, drawing in visitors from across the district.

“We did take measures to increase car parking capacity when improvements had been made to the Country Park last year, but with the great weather it has been a very popular destination over the school summer holidays. However, its popularity cannot be at the expense of the quality of life and safety of local residents, which is why we had to look for some immediate solutions.

“I am confident that the additional parking and enforcement actions that have been put in place will provide immediate relief for local residents. We will of course continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Southwater councillor Claire Vickers, who is Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, added: “The situation for residents along Cripplegate Lane has been very difficult for the past few weeks and I would like to thank local residents for their patience during this difficult time.

“We have put in place a number of temporary measures to deal with the situation urgently whilst we seek a longer and more permanent solution to the problem.”

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