THERE have been calls for action to tackle problem parking in Fordingbridge as residents fear “there will be an accident”.

Concerns were raised over people parking on double yellow lines and obstructing junctions and roads around the town including Provost Street and Highbank Gardens during a meeting of Fordingbridge Council last Wednesday.

One resident slammed the “lack of action” by New Forest District Council (NFDC) to tackle parking problems. He said: “Coming out of Highbank Gardens people park so close to the junction you literally can’t see anything coming down the road. One of these days somebody is going to get hit.”

Another concerned resident said: “Nothing is going on with regards to the enforcement of parking restrictions not just in Provost Street but going around the town you can see people parked on double yellow lines.”

“We need people to observe the rules and restrictions. Unless they are enforced the problem is just going to increase,” he added.

He warned that “one day there will be an accident” and people need to park cars where it is “safe to do so”.

Deputy mayor, Cllr Edward Hale said parking had got “far worse” in Salisbury Street and cars seemed to be parked there all day at the weekend.

Cllr Rosemary Fulford said she had raised the issue “many times” with NFDC and Hampshire County Council (HCC) representatives, adding: “Nothing has been done about it.”

Cllr Hale suggested more double yellow lines were needed in certain places like Provost Street and Salisbury Street.

But Cllr Diane Paton said: “Unless we have someone to enforce it, it doesn’t matter how many double yellow lines you’ve got it’s not going to make any difference.”

A spokesman for NFDC said: “Our enforcement team patrols Fordingbridge daily, seven days a week, including targeted patrols outside normal working hours to address specific issues raised by members of the public or local councillors. The concerns raised at the town council meeting have been passed on to the team so that they can ensure these locations are included in their patrols.”

“We currently carry out on street enforcement on behalf of Hampshire County Council, under an agreement which is due to expire in 2020. We are in discussion with the county council over future arrangements.”