Council and democracy

Selhurst parking faces red card for obstruction

Football fans who drive to Selhurst Park and leave their cars obstructing residents' entrances or blocking the way for emergency vehicles face an expensive red card next season.

Inconsiderate parking on match days is becoming an increasing problem in the high density residential streets around the stadium and Croydon Council is coming under fire from locals for not clamping down on the antisocial behaviour.

To tackle the difficulty the council is planning a change of tactics and will be rigorously enforcing parking regulations on matchdays. Fans who leave their cars parked improperly will end up with a ticket or, in worse instances, find their vehicle has been taken to a pound.

Prior to introducing the tougher arrangements, the council will be gathering photographic evidence of some or the worse parking contraventions. It also plans to paint double yellow lines at around 35 junctions in the vicinity of the football ground.

Said council leader Mike Fisher: "I'm a Palace fan and until recently I used to live pretty close to the ground. I can therefore vouch for the fact that in recent years too many football fans driving to Selhurst Park have been leaving their cars parked dangerously or antisocially. This is a growing problem and something that is causing a lot of public concern. However, as it's an issue that only arises on match days we don't believe the answer lies in blanketing the area with a controlled parking zone. Rather, the introduction of new road markings and a more rigorous approach to parking enforcement when games are being played should make it easier for residents and emergency services. "

Added Councillor Fisher: "We believe that not only should the football club make every effort to accommodate more vehicles within the space available at the ground, but it should also be encouraging spectators to use public transport as their first choice way of getting to a match. Those who insist on driving are being put on notice that they face a penalty if they commit a parking offence next season."