Problems caused by 'hospital parking' in Tuckfield Close, Wonford

Twenty people living in Tuckfield Close, representing over 50 per cent of the households in this cul de sac, gathered outside their homes on Sunday in the sunshine to discuss what could be done about problems caused there by excessive and inconsiderate car parking. Councillor Andy Hannan attended the meeting to note residents’ grievances and explain what Devon County Council might be able to do in response.

A major problem was caused by cars being parked on and near the corners at the junction with Rifford Road. This frequently made it unsafe for vehicles to turn out of the Close and had several times made it impossible for refuse collection vehicles to turn in.

Other issues included the need for a right turn lane into the Close, double-yellow lines near the exit and a reduction of marked parking places on either side of this on Rifford Road.

Some residents thought one possible solution to the problem of the Close being used as a free car park for hospital workers was to introduce a residents-only parking scheme. Others thought it would help to remove the inner walled and grassed area to create more parking spaces.

Councillor Andy Hannan said, "I know that the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital is trying to increase the number of parking spaces it provides and convince its staff and visitors to use the park-and-ride facility, buses or cycling rather than drive to Wonford. However, other measures must be considered as the problems experienced by the residents of Tucker Close and in Wonford generally appear to be getting worse. At the very least the enforcement of parking regulations must be improved and the safety issues at the junction with Rifford Road must be addressed’.