Shropshire Star

Watch: Video shows state of parking at county beauty spot prompting calls for double yellow lines

A video showing long lines of cars parked near a Shropshire beauty spot has backed up calls for action over parking issues.

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Last week Shropshire Council confirmed it was looking at whether double yellow lines should be introduced along the road approaching the entrance to Haughmond Hill – one of the county's popular nature spots.

The authority's cabinet heard that the site has seen increasing numbers of people parking their cars along the road leading to the Forestry Commission site, rather than in the car park.

The meeting heard that residents were concerned that a move to stop cash payments for parking at the site was making the situation worse.

Now, a video has revealed the extent of the issues, with the footage showing nearly 50 cars parked along the sides of the small country lane – leaving only enough room for one vehicle to pass.

At one point cars can also be seen parked on both sides of the entrance road to the site.

A host of people have addressed the issue on social media, with some warning the current situation is a danger.

Responding to the developments, one person said: "It’s dangerous when trying to pull out of Haughmond Hill because of the cars parked on the road, you're using the facilities – pay for parking."

Others added "about time too. It's not even expensive to park there," "best thing to happen", and "there is going to be an accident there if nothing is done".

Another reader bemoaned the standard of parking in the UK, saying: "I’m over from Australia and I’ve never experienced such awful parking. People just seem to stop wherever they want. They park against the flow of the traffic on corners basically anywhere. I grew up in Shropshire but don’t remember it this bad. Makes driving a nightmare."

Reacting to the prospect of double yellow lines, a number of readers said the issue was driven by the need to pay for parking to enjoy the countryside.

Others questioned why the new system only accepts card payments – saying it disproportionally affects older people.

One said: "The new payment system discriminates against the older generation yet again. There seems to be only one machine right by the entrance which doesn't take cash anymore. Older folk don't always understand 'apps'.

"We fell foul of this new system and got fined £25 as we only had cash. We didn't even stay to walk when we realised we couldn't pay and still got charged £25 for a 20-minute faff!"

Another visitor said: "Need to bring back cash to the machine! Not everyone uses card.

Another comment said: "I will always try to park on the road but also often buy a coffee at the end. Hate having to pay for parking when going for a walk. Only in England they even charge you to enjoy the nature."

That was a sentiment echoed by others, with one saying: "All free in French beauty spots with good facilities too. We are obsessed with charging for space in this country."

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