Hot under the dog collar

Hot under the dog collar

Sep 14 2004
By Vicky Wilks

South London Press

A FUMING vicar has blasted parking bosses for painting double yellow lines outside his church, claiming they did so without warning.

Father Denis Bradshaw, of St John the Divine Church in Vassall Road, Kennington, says the lines - in force on a 24-hour basis, every day of the year - have made life very difficult for his congregation.

The restrictions on a section of Vassall Road mean church-goers have to park far down the road or in side streets already filled with residents' cars.

Father Bradshaw said: "These double yellow lines have been a cause of great concern to a number of our congregation, especially those who bring elderly relatives to church.

"While I accept some parking restrictions are needed in Vassall Road, I think it's totally ridiculous to have placed these double yellow lines right outside the entrance to the church - without any consultation whatsoever."

Owen Dignan was one of the first to fall foul of the double yellows, when he dropped off his disabled mother, Megan, who is in her 80s.

Mr Dignan had a blue disabled badge and did not realise the lines had become operational on August 22.

In the time it took him to help his mother into the church, a £50 ticket was slapped on his windscreen.

He said: "I'm angry there has been no consultation because it's inconvenient for me. I now have to drop my mother off then go and find somewhere to park down the road."

Leader of Lambeth council Peter Truesdale is a member of St John the Divine.

Father Bradshaw has asked Cllr Truesdale to look into this issue.

A Lambeth council spokesman said the double yellow lines formed part of a wider scheme aimed at improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

He said: "This wider scheme was subject to extensive consultation with residents over the last two years and included two exhibitions held locally."

He said people were allowed to drop their passengers off.

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