Makeshift signs and barriers have been put up outside a private housing estate after an ongoing row over parking.

Visitors to the new Langley Lane Play Area, situated between South Way and Langley Lane, have been using Abbotswood Park estate and the pavement along South Way to park - causing concern for motorists and pedestrians having to manoeuvre around the cars.

Residents from the housing estate have put up plastic barriers and a sign warning that unauthorised vehicles will be clamped.

Speaking on behalf of Three Rivers District Council, Kevin Snow, head of communications, said: “The housing estate is a private road but that doesn’t mean it is unlawful for people to park there. It is not legal for vehicles to be clamped or towed away from these roads.”

Clare Deverrick, Abbots Langley, said: “It is absolute madness. The council gave planning permission for this lovely park, which people from all areas want to visit, yet because of their incompetence, they failed to foresee this inevitable parking issue.”

Three Rivers District Council leader, Sara Bedford said: “The new park is part of the Leavesden Country Park, which has its own car park a few minutes’ walk away. Many local residents can, and do, walk from their homes to enjoy the new park.”

"I'm delighted that the new play area and open space at Langley Lane has proved so popular with local families.

"With my councillor's hat on, I am looking at what can be done to make the roads around the park safer."

The only parking restrictions in place are pedestrian zig zags opposite the entrance to the park by the crossing. But despite the road markings, vehicles have still been seen to park on them.

After receiving complaints, the council have passed requests to consider parking controls to the police and highway authority. Parking tickets can only be given by the council if a road has yellow lines next to the footway.

Jan Sandra Bazell, Furtherfield, said: “My concern with the parking is the manner in which owners of the cars are leaving them parked on zig zag lines and double parking on both sides of the road.

“I watched from the field when a lorry was driving down South Way and had to navigate around cars parked on both sides of the road. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

Oliva Finucane, speaking on behalf of Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: "Police are aware of the current parking problems around Southway. We are working with partner agencies to find a long term solution. 

"We would ask motorists to be more mindful of others when they park and consider the impact on others."