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MOTORISTS are misusing a short-stay car park in Overton, a meeting was told.

Members of Overton Parish Council suggested charges could be put on the free short-stay car park in London Road after complaints were made by residents about people using it all day.

Councillors warned that if the situation continues, restrictions such as pay and display may have to be introduced.

The situation has been made worse recently by building work at Overton Community Centre, which has led to contractors using the car park.

Peter Baker, Overton parish councillor and head of Overton Business Association, said: "People abusing the short-stay car park could have a damaging effect on business in Overton as fewer spaces are made available.

"I've spoken with several shopkeepers and asked them to use the long-stay car park up the hill while the building work is ongoing, but that went down like a lead balloon.

"If push comes to shove and the problems continue, perhaps restrictions such as double yellow lines or pay and display should be put in place."

Terry Robinson, from the Green, said: "The car park is filled with cars, 24-7, 365 days a year - it's ridiculous.

"What's so unbelievable is there's a long-stay car park for those who need it, just up the hill. In the last three days, there have been three cars in the long-stay while the short-stay has been filled."

Brian Langer, Overton's representative for highways and byways and public transport, said: "There's nothing to say how long a short-stay is, so people are free to park there all day.

"Without set limits and people enforcing those limits, the problem won't be solved and I think it won't be long before serious consideration needs to be given to the parking situation in Overton."

1:57pm Sunday 23rd March 2008

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