A car dealership has been slammed for “ignoring” rules and blocking pavements and cycle routes.

The Mercedes-Benz garage in Lower High Street in Watford has been criticised by people living nearby as well as councillors and the Mayor of Watford.

Mercedes-Benz has been accused of “flouting the law” and damaging highway land. In particular, concerns have been raised about the way in which vehicles are parked on grass outside as well as how pavements are blocked by trucks who are either carrying out work or making deliveries.

Watford Observer:

The company has also been accused of blocking the bus stop and Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst said he has received a “number of complaints” that they could not get off the bus because they were blocked in by cars.

Mayor Peter Taylor wrote to Mercedes-Benz on July 26 in response to complaints that he has received.

He wrote: “I have also personally noticed this issue many times and one occasion, I saw at least ten vehicles parked on the grass verges. I find this dangerous practice and I am extremely concerned about this matter.

“The police, Hertfordshire County Council, and Watford Borough Council’s parking service have all intervened and have wasted valuable time visiting the showroom to ask you to refrain from using the public highway for deliveries”.

Watford Observer:

Cllr Giles-Medhurst added: “Mercedes has no shame at all and just ignore every warning. Frankly their attitude is a disgrace and insult to residents. I plan to put posts and barriers up around the grass verges to physically prevent them from using it.”

Mercedes-Benz has been carrying out work on its site, including installing a new deck. But Mayor Taylor said it was the responsibility of Mercedes-Benz to ensure the “measures are in place” to accept new deliveries on site.

Watford Observer:

The company said the area surrounding the dealership is now clear.

A spokeswoman for Mercedes-Benz said: “We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the current renovation work at Mercedes-Benz of Watford. The area surrounding the retailer is now completely clear, and we will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum for the community until the works are complete at the end of August.

“Our aim is to create the best possible experience for our customers; we would like to thank the local community in Watford for their patience while we carry out the necessary works.”