Selfish parents block our driveways - and get mad when asked to move!

A parking row has erupted in a quiet suburb, with homeowners trapped in their own homes by 'nuisance' parents doing the school run. 

People living near Dussindale Primary School in Norwich, Norfolk have claimed selfish parents illegally park across their driveways, barricading them in - and then 'kick up a fuss' when confronted.

Locals are now fed up of being unable to get their cars on to the road and want the issue cracked down on - and one local councillor has even been liaising with police.

Usually quiet roads, such as Royalist Drive, Cavalier Close and Vane Close are full to the brim with cars parked along single yellow lines. 

Janet Cook, who has lived in Royalist Drive for 20 years, said: 'It's been happening for years now.

'The road is sometimes filled with cars along here and if I see anyone trying to park outside my drive I'll tell them to move because they shouldn't be there.

'I don't understand why the children can't be dropped off and walk to school because it makes it so difficult to get out of my own house at times.

'But they'll get out and just leave their car for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. It's very annoying and I would like them to park somewhere else.'

Sue Dartnell, who has lived in the area for 28 years, added: 'The yellow lines helped to begin with, when they were added about five or six years ago. But now it doesn't seem to deter people at all.

'I've had to ask someone to move because my friends, who were parked in my driveway, couldn't get out.

'The person moved but not without kicking up a bit of fuss beforehand. I also know my neighbours have had a terrible time trying to get out of their home because of the cars parked right opposite.

'I have noticed however this week there's been an increase in police patrols and I've noticed a difference.

'The thing will be keeping up the patrols and making sure the issues don't come back after the Christmas break.'

A couple living in Royalist Drive, who did not wish to be named, said: 'Every weekday we have problems with families parking along the single yellow lines during restricted times.

'Often, this parking results in driveways being hard to exit and sometimes blocked. 

'We have had support from our local councillors, enforcement officers, the local school and even the police. 

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'We have also been told that traffic enforcement officers have been on the receiving end of abuse by parents which is simply unacceptable.

'Despite everything families continue to park illegally and, to be honest, it is an absolute nuisance.'

Councillor for Thorpe St Andrew, Ian Mackie, has been inundated with complaints from people living nearby.

He said: 'I have raised these concerns with the enforcement officer and now the local police.

'They are currently making regular patrols to deter illegally parked traffic and residents have already noticed the increased patrols.

'My advice would be for people to not park illegally - and secondly - if this continues, those doing it should be prepared to possibly receive an unpleasant Christmas present in the form of a fine.'

A Norwich police spokesperson said: 'Local residents have been in touch about the parking in Royalist Drive and surrounding roads.

'We have agreed to carry out some patrols there at the start and end of the school day.

'This is in addition to the council's parking enforcement officer patrols, which we are aware have also been taking place this week.'

The school's Broad Horizons Education Trust, were contacted for comment.