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'Loophole' pavement parking in Ascot Road by school

Fintan McGuinness Profile Image
By Fintan McGuinness Reporter
Some of the vehicles parked on the pavement opposite Ascot Road Primary School. <i>(Image: Contribution)</i>
Some of the vehicles parked on the pavement opposite Ascot Road Primary School. (Image: Contribution)
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Parents fear a child could be knocked down as motorists take advantage of a “loophole” by driving up onto the pavement.

Cars regularly park alongside hoarding for the Cortland Cassiobury development, opposite Ascot Road Primary School, in the section of Ascot Road where the Morrisons supermarket is.

Despite being on pavement, the area is understood to be private land and Watford Borough Council therefore cannot issue penalty charge notices.

Some of the vehicles parked on the pavement opposite Ascot Road Primary School. (Image: Contribution) A parent of one of the children at the primary school, which has its entrance just 20 metres away, fears a child could be injured as vehicle owners regularly move them off the car park at drop off times and back on when after-school clubs are let out.

“Yes, the speeds are small,” the Watford resident, who did not want to be named, added. “But that doesn’t mean that those that are reversing aren’t going to hit someone. It’s going to happen.”

Some of the vehicles parked on the pavement opposite Ascot Road Primary School. (Image: Contribution)

The vehicles are apparently also damaging the pavement and creating trip hazards.

(Left) the pavement where the cars park. (Right) the school entrance.(Left) the pavement where the cars park. (Right) the school entrance. (Image: Google Street View) The strip of land the vehicles are being left on belongs to Morrisons, which has said it is working with the council to try and minimise any disruption.

A spokesperson for Cortland Cassiobury said: "We are aware of the parking concerns raised and want to assure the Watford community that, while the vehicles are not parking on our development or land, we are actively working with Morrisons, Ascot Road Primary School, and the Watford local council to find a resolution.

"We remain committed to supporting a solution that benefits all parties involved, including our fellow Cortland Cassiobury residents."

Herts Police have been contacted for comment. Update to follow.

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