Petition set up as residents appeal for tougher action against dangerous parking in West Wittering

Nearly 800 people have signed a petition for the authorities to take stronger action against people dangerously parking on residential streets in West Wittering.
Tracey claimed that cones, put down to prevent drivers parking on grass verges, were moved by thoughtless visitorsTracey claimed that cones, put down to prevent drivers parking on grass verges, were moved by thoughtless visitors
Tracey claimed that cones, put down to prevent drivers parking on grass verges, were moved by thoughtless visitors

Sussex Police has issued a number of fixed penalty notices after visitors to West Wittering Beach ignored the pre-booking parking system and warnings not to visit at the weekend. Anyone without a pre-booked parking ticket were asked not to visit the beach, as there is no other parking in the village, but this warning was ignored by some people who parked on narrow, residential streets.

Some residents don't think the fines will be enough of a deterrent.

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Taking matters into her own hands, Bracklesham resident Tracey Dale Ellis, set up a petition, hoping the voice of the public will lead to tougher punishments for selfish drivers.

Tracey voiced her concerns in writingto Chichester MP Gillian Keegan and the district councilTracey voiced her concerns in writingto Chichester MP Gillian Keegan and the district council
Tracey voiced her concerns in writingto Chichester MP Gillian Keegan and the district council

Tracey, a clinical manager for the Sussex Community Trust, said: "There's a lot of upset on social media so I wanted to do something positive with that rather than just negativity.

"It's about people's safety, not only for residents but also visitors because the parking is totally out of hand.

"It's probably a matter of time before there is an accident and somebody is hurt."

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Having reached 794 signatures in just two days, Tracey added: "This, with our photos and videos, will hopefully be professional evidence, to show our concerns and show that something needs to be done for the community's safety."

Sussex Police has issued a number of fixed penalty notices after visitors to West Wittering Beach ignored the pre-booking parking system and warnings not to visit at the weekendSussex Police has issued a number of fixed penalty notices after visitors to West Wittering Beach ignored the pre-booking parking system and warnings not to visit at the weekend
Sussex Police has issued a number of fixed penalty notices after visitors to West Wittering Beach ignored the pre-booking parking system and warnings not to visit at the weekend

Tracey, who voiced her concerns in writing to Chichester MP Gillian Keegan and the district council, said she has heard of elderly residents being reduced to tears because they haven't been able to use the footpath.

"People on electric scooters are being forced onto the roads because the paths have been blocked," she said. "Mothers with babies are being forced onto the roads in front of oncoming traffic.

"People are parking on double yellows and on all the verges between West and East Wittering. There's residents being abused when asking people not to park there.

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"The [West Wittering] Estate has been very clear about the automated system and telling people not to come but no one is concerned.

Tracey said she has heard of elderly residents being reduced to tears because they haven't been able to use the footpathTracey said she has heard of elderly residents being reduced to tears because they haven't been able to use the footpath
Tracey said she has heard of elderly residents being reduced to tears because they haven't been able to use the footpath

"There is no deterrent, the fine isn't enough. They need to do something to make it impossible to park on the grass verges or to increase the fines or tow away vehicles."

Tracey also claimed that cones, put down to prevent drivers parking on grass verges, have been moved by thoughtless visitors.

"There is a total lack of respect for a local community," Tracey said.

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"The elderly and vulnerable can't get around their own area.

"There seems to be a big lack of concern for personal safety across the country."

As someone who works in the NHS, Tracey has seen, first-hand, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and urged people to obey the rules to 'prevent a second wave'.

She added: "It's not against people coming to the area. It's a beautiful area and people are going to come from all over but equally we are in the middle of a pandemic.

"The pandemic is still in our society."

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