Collier Row residents lash out at ‘unfair’ parking fines

Residents in one area of Havering have lashed out against “unfair” fines, claiming that parking bays are not fit for purpose.

Parking spaces in Collier Row Road are too narrow, say some Collier Row residents, including workers making crucial deliveries.

Lee Street, a tradesman who delivers in the area, questioned why he was given a ticket four weeks ago.

He said he has used the road to park for years and gets his van as close as possible to the kerb.

Lee felt that the bays have always been too small and claimed allowances had previously been made by wardens.

“If the bays aren’t wide enough, how are we to receive deliveries?”, Lee said.

“Traffic wardens should exercise common sense when issuing tickets.”

Lee said it was impossible for him to get any closer to the kerb (Image: Lee Street)

Lee added that this has made it expensive for him to drop off deliveries at places such as RM5 Lounge and Collier Row post office.

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But Havering Council said that all parking bays are to normal standards.

Another Collier Row resident, Alicia Perfect, also received a parking ticket in the area recently and said minor infractions were costing locals dearly.

Alicia, 20, said she is appealing a £30 fine she was hit with after her Toyota Aygo struggled to fit inside a bay and she had to park with her wheel sticking out.

“It’s just unfair, especially when you’re paying for your parking,” she said. “I used to go to shops in Collier Row but now I don’t because it’s not worth the risk.”

Alicia claimed that many parking machines in the area do not work, meaning locals have been unable to shop locally in fear of being fined for parking incorrectly for the lack of a ticket.

A Havering Council spokesperson admitted one machine in Collier Row Road is not working, but said two others are.

They added that motorists have the option to pay for tickets online via the RingGo app.

Lorna Brockington, another Collier Row resident, urged the council to listen to residents in a Facebook post and act before repeated fines cripple the high street.

“This needs to stop,” she said. “This aggressive ticketing will drive people away from our shops which will ruin some businesses’ footfall.”