Parked car leads to council yellow line blunder

Residents were surprised to see the lines being painted by contractors in Warwick Road on Tuesday morning, with no cones put out to stop motorists parking in their way beforehand.

They believed the lines had been removed to create extra residents’ parking bays but West Sussex County Council said yellow lines had always been in place and were being repainted after resurfacing.

“The truck turned up outside just as I was going out with my dog,” said Rosemary Ray, of Alfred Place.

“When I came back it was like this and they had driven off.”

Nicola Sheeran, of Warwick Road, said: “It’s a fiasco and it’s farcical. A lot of people have given up the will to live.

“We are all fed up.”

The perceived blunder adds to the frustration of the Zone C residents, who have led a five-year battle to change parking restrictions to make it easier for residents to park.

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said the work would soon be completed.

“This is more of a ‘perceived’ blunder rather than an actual one,” he said.

“The yellow lines have been in place at this location for many years and we have previously informed residents of this. There has been no loss of bays.

“This incomplete section of yellow lining was associated with the new road surface and was left because of a parked car.

“The contractor is aware and will complete the lining when next in the area. If need be, we will ensure that bollards are used to clear the remaining area.”

n For the latest parking developments in the town centre controlled parking zones, turn to page seven.