to write to the college? Parking thread!

[Rollersara]

We live on a small village street with limited parking. There are four "official" parking spaces with double yellow lines in between where you can fit another 2 cars. There are never any traffic wardens and no-one seems to know why the double yellows are there.

I'm disabled and have a young baby and have applied for a disabled space right outside my house (currently double yellows), I already have a blue badge, but it could take 18 months to happen. I have real trouble getting DD to and from the car and if I have additional stuff like shopping or swim stuff I can only really do it if the car is outside my house. The neighbours have been really kind, they all know I find things difficult so don't park outside, except one. The one is a student at the local theological college. DP has been round and asked him (very nicely!) if he could try and avoid parking outside our house, but he does, repeatedly. I'm worried now that if I do go out I won't be able to get my stuff back in the house again.

DP has suggested writing to the college about it. My instinct was that this is OTT, it's a minor parking violation and a bit thoughtless. I mentioned it to my sister though, who is a vicar, and she agreed with DP. I feel bad as I wouldn't complain if it was just any student, but shouldn't someone who plans to be a vicar show a bit more care and compassion (and, as my sister says, it reflects badly on the church)?

DP and I are both atheists and I don't want him to think we're just anti-religion!

I want to know what he said to your husband too! And I also think you should go round.

IIRC he said "I'll see what I can do." Which isn't very much, it would seem. I'll be back at work in a few months, after which I'll never be there for more than 3 hours during the day, but I would like to resolve this before then!

You're all right, I should go round myself. Might go tomorrow when my scarier sister is here for a bit of moral support.

Sounds like a good plan Rollersara. And if he still parks on the double yellows, I would definitely drop a line to the college. As others have said, colleges/uni's like to be seen to be good neighbours, theological or not. He is being a dick. Totally on the wrong course.

Whereyouleftit, if it helps my sister (who has just moved from a London parish) tells me Rev is actually pretty accurate!

First go round and see him yourself with your baby and sister in vicar uniform. Be polite but spell out to him how much hardship his parking causes.

If he does it again, phone the council and explain the situation. Maybe a few tickets might help? At the same time write to the college and explain about your disability/new baby and that you have asked him not to park there but he insists. Explain how much his selfish actions impact your life. Ask them to ask him to be more considerate.

Roller Before you go round or ask the PCSO to visit, have you checked the actual hours parking restrictions are in place and made sure he is violating them? I think you should go and talk to him anyway, because it can't hurt to ask, but it might change the conversation somewhat if he pointed out he only parks there at times the restrictions aren't in force...