NOTICEBOARD

The Hidden Dangers of Parking on Junctions and Pavements within the Development

In many areas of Elsea Park especially those without formal parking restrictions, residents often resort to parking on junctions or pavements. While this may seem like a convenient solution to limited space, it creates serious risks for both drivers and pedestrians.

Key Dangers

• Reduced Visibility at Junctions Cars parked too close to corners obstruct sightlines for drivers. This increases the likelihood of collisions, particularly with cyclists, children, or other vehicles emerging from side roads.
• Obstruction of Emergency Services Fire engines, ambulances, and refuse collection vehicles often struggle to navigate narrow estate roads when junctions and pavements are blocked. In emergencies, every second counts, and obstructed access can be life-threatening.
• Hazards for Pedestrians Parking on pavements forces pedestrians—especially wheelchair users, parents with prams, and those with mobility issues—into the road. This exposes them to traffic and increases accident risk.
• Damage to Infrastructure Pavements are not designed to bear the weight of vehicles. Parking on them causes cracks, subsidence, and costly repairs for Developers prior to adoption by the local authority.
• Community Frustration Poor parking practices fuel disputes between neighbours, erode trust, and reduce overall satisfaction with the development environment.

Why Awareness Matters

Even in areas on the development without formal restrictions, the Highway Code advises against parking near junctions or on pavements.

Responsible parking helps maintain safety, accessibility, and harmony within our community.

Manager’s Report

Extension Works – Progress Summary

• Progress has continued and the roof is now watertight; it is expected the first two weeks in December activity at the site will be increased with a multitude of trades attending for their first fix installation.

Weekend Hires

• There has been an increase in organised event hires cancelling due to lack of intertest in their planned events, personal use of the Centre over the weekend for celebrations is still very busy.

Grounds

Quayside West & East

• The Trust are still awaiting delivery of a sample mild steel-framed planter with hardwood cladding which if suitable will be purchased for the trees to be planted in.
• SKDC Planning Department have confirmed that planning permission will not be required for the new planters planned for the Quaysides as ultimately although weighing in at 1.5 tons will still be movable
• The fountains in the ponds remain challenging especially during high water levels as their display effectiveness is reduced.

Heartsease Way Pumping Station

• The overgrown area around the pumping station and the land east of the pumping station are due to be stripped out and replanted during this winter seasons as the area has become unmanageable.

Caretaker

• A move around of the caretaker’s responsibilities will see them working on the development now as well as at the Centre.