Latest news with #parkingissues
CTV News
25-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
‘It's just one more pressure': Red Deer hospital workers fed up with parking issues
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) says Red Deer hospital workers have had enough with parking issues after receiving relentless tickets over the years. 'We're seeing parking issues just overwhelming staff,' said Darren Graham, an AUPE vice president. Many hospital staff are forced to park in non-designated parking stalls where they have to pay, said Graham. Because staff are often asked to extend their workday and sometimes don't get breaks, they don't have the ability to move their vehicles or feed the meter while on shift. But Alberta Health Services (AHS) says workers don't lose parking privileges if they work overtime. 'If an employee is required to work overtime and needs parking privileges during that time, they don't incur additional parking fees either,' said a statement from the health authority. If workers get enough tickets, they can get their parking privileges revoked so they can't use the parkade at all. Graham said there is a waitlist for hospital staff at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre parking but it would take 10 to 12 years to get a spot. 'It's just one more pressure,' said Graham. 'We're already seeing issues with staff compensation and being overworked.' Hospital workers are still waiting for a collective agreement and are making wages that were set years ago, said Graham, making tickets another financial burden for staff to deal with. 'When you get a $50 ticket, that can be the make-or-break.' The hospital is also under construction as it undergoes a $1.8 billion redevelopment. Red Deer Regional Hospital design drawing A preliminary design showing the aerial view of the the south courtyard of the Red Deer Regional Hospital redesign, released by the Alberta government March 15, 2024. (Source: The Government of Alberta) AHS said it has to protect access for patients, families and visitors. 'When public parking stalls are used for extended periods by staff or others, it can reduce availability for those coming to a hospital for care,' said AHS. There are designated staff parking areas and short-term parking stalls for patients and visitors at all AHS facilities. Staff are to register their vehicle for parking privileges in designated staff parking spots. If workers are unable to register because the spots are full, they're on their own. The health authority said citations may be issued when staff park in patient-designated zones, use accessible stalls without a placard or fail to register their vehicle properly—even if they pay for parking. Citations are handled by AHS Parking Services, which is self-funded and operates independently of the health care budget.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
'My late wife's hearse was blocked by idiot's bad parking' in nightmare road
A widower has described how his late wife's hearse could not get through a busy road and had to reverse because of bad parking. Angry residents in Spetchley Road in Worcester have slammed 'bullying' parents for blocking their driveways and verbally abusing them during the school-run. Cllr Elaine Willmore, a Labour city councillor for Nunnery, has been speaking to people about their concerns and pushing for Worcestershire County Council to find a solution. CONGESTED: Spetchley Road in Worcester where one man says his wife's hearse got stuck (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS) Resident Michael Harding, 79, said the hearse carrying his late wife was forced to reverse down the street after being blocked by double-parked cars. He said: 'My wife had terminal cancer for two years and she sadly died in April this year. 'The hearse picked her up from the family home. It got around the corner but it couldn't get through as some idiot was parked on double yellow lines. 'We had to turn back, it made us late for the service. Both cars had to reverse back down the road and turn around. 'He was parked on double yellow lines on a bend with another car parked across from it. Sometimes I cannot get my car off the drive, they park way over the drive. SIGN: A sign from a resident in Spetchley Road in Worcester (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS) 'I virtually have to park onto my neighbour's drive to get off, fortunately he's kind enough to let me. 'As well as the school-run parents it's the students leaving their cars on the road all day while they are at college. 'If you say anything to them, they swear at you. The language is foul, you get some really horrible responses. 'It's really everyone who is suffering here, it's not just me. They park across drives. You try to drive up Spetchley Road at 3pm and it's dangerous. We've had enough.' Arguments have broken out and signs erected begging parents to leave their cars elsewhere during the morning and afternoon rush. RECOMMENDED READING: 'Brazen parents park on our driveways - and some give us death stares' RECOMMENDED READING: Moment bungling burglar realises he is caught on camera before stealing laptops Retired Royal Navy engineer Royston Roberts, 82, said: 'People have parked on my drive which is never a good scenario. 'You can ask them to move but it's a civil matter. The police can't do anything. 'The problem for us is that I can't get access to the highway or get in or out of home a lot of the time. It's tight, too. It can be very inconvenient." Mr Roberts, who has lived on the street with his wife Maureen since 1983, said a suitable parking solution lies just 100 yards across the road in the form of the disused County Hall space. He added: 'The County Hall has a huge car park 100 yards away. There's no resolution - zigzag lines and warning people doesn't work. "If someone has arrived late, they'll park their car halfway across the drive. They'll dump their cars, but it's on both sides of the road – it's chaos.' A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: 'We would need to consider the wider effects of adding more restrictions. 'As with all traffic management measures, parking restrictions involve a balance of benefits and drawbacks, and it is important to approach any change with this in mind.'
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Plan to ban SMEs in areas with poor parking rejected in Bahrain
A proposed decision to ban small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from opening businesses in areas with inadequate parking facilities has been formally rejected by the Capital Trustees Board. The debate was sparked as the board convened to discuss the approval of a new eye clinic complex in Tubli, despite existing concerns over a lack of spaces for customers in the area. While some officials raised the alarm over potential traffic congestion, the majority consensus favoured encouraging business growth. Board chairman Saleh Tarradah strongly opposed the suggestion to restrict SMEs, describing the move as counterproductive to Bahrain's broader economic development goals. From left, Mr Tarradah, Mr Al Sehli and board member Mohammed Al Abbas 'Allowing such enterprises to open is beneficial to the economic wheel of the country,' said Mr Tarradah during yesterday's meeting at the Capital Trustees Authority Complex in Manama. 'We shouldn't put hurdles or restrictions on small and medium businesses just because we want to solve the parking problem.' He explained that parking issues should not be viewed as a problem solely for new businesses to solve. Instead, he called for a national approach to infrastructure development. 'Parking is an issue that needs to be resolved on a national basis through creative and innovative solutions – not banning enterprises,' he added. Turning to the specific case of the Tubli eye clinic, Mr Tarradah dismissed concerns over inadequate parking, highlighting the unique nature of the establishment's clientele. 'Many of those with eye infections or problems don't drive and are dropped by family members,' he said. 'Also, nurses and doctors are either dropped by family or through transportation offered by the establishment.' Supporting his chairman's stance, board member Maitham Al Hayki criticised the proposed ban as short-sighted and damaging to Bahrain's entrepreneurial ecosystem. 'Ninety per cent of businesses in the bustling Seef District don't have car parks,' said Mr Al Hayki. 'So to resolve the parking matter we decide to stop small and medium businesses from opening? This is wrong and would just set us backwards.' He stressed that SMEs were vital for job creation and innovation, particularly in key urban areas where commercial spaces can be limited but economic opportunities remain abundant. Capital Trustees Authority director-general Mohammed Al Sehli argued that the board had a responsibility to take community complaints seriously, especially regarding the ongoing 'parking crisis' in residential neighbourhoods like Tubli. 'This board has an opportunity to stop a business opening near an already crowded area, which many complain already has inadequate car parking, and they don't want to stop it,' he said. His concerns were echoed by board services and public utilities committee chairwoman Huda Sultan, who emphasised the daily struggles of residents. 'People in Tubli in particular are already suffering from traffic jams and parking woes,' she said. 'We have to be mindful of the pressures we are adding to these communities.' Members vote in favour of allowing SMEs to open Despite the division within the board, the overall decision appears to reflect a clear stance favouring business development while calling for national-level urban planning solutions to solve parking challenges. The meeting highlighted a broader issue facing Bahrain's urban planning policies – the delicate balance between fostering economic growth through SME development and addressing the infrastructural demands that come with it. As the Capital Trustees Board moves forward with its agenda, the conversation around parking, traffic management and business facilitation is expected to continue – with interested parties across the country watching closely for sustainable solutions. The board's decision has been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to forward to Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi for review.
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Neighbours defend couple ordered to demolish home gym they built on their own driveway because of 'dangerous' parking situation
Neighbours have defended a couple who were ordered to tear down a home gym they built on their own driveway following complaints it would create a 'dangerous' parking situation on their estate. Paul Willis, 42, and Emma Woodley, 43, were told to remove the building - thought to be worth tens of thousands of pounds - because it would mean one of their cars would be parked on the street. But despite the issues caused by parked cars, many locals on the estate in Basingstoke, Hampshire, have 'sympathy' for the pair - and feel the council may be being 'too harsh'. Finance worker Daniel Schofield, 29, said: 'Parking is the biggest issue on this estate and that's what you will hear from a lot of people - but it's not been like that forever.' But, he felt as though the council ordering the couple to take down the home gym was going too far. He said: 'If it's thought out properly and the owners are careful, like in terms of telling people where to park, then I don't see an issue. 'If it's not an eyesore then I don't see why it can't really stay.' Mr Schofield said if the homeowners explained the parking situation to potential gym clients then it's 'not going to have much of a knock on effect'. Another neighbour, who wished to be referred to only as Matt, said while parking in the area can be 'difficult' - he thought the situation is 'stupid'. He said: 'It's not bothering anyone - it's in their garden and it's in their parking space, they can do whatever they like. 'It's silly - they are not harming anyone.' Mr Willis and Ms Woodley, who moved into the £440,000 property last year, have argued that they do not park on the street and instead use nearby unallocated spaces. They have also said they would lose substantial income if they are made to tear down the building, where Mr Willis carries out personal training sessions with clients. The couple were nevertheless denied retrospective planning permission by the council on the basis it might 'set a precedent' for other residents to do the same. 'AJ' Nair, 41, who lives on a road close to the house, said that parking has caused issues for neighbours. He said that all properties have their own designated space so it could be problematic for more visitors to park on the road. The digital designer said: 'Parking will definitely be a problem on that road. The couple argued they did not use both parking spaces before the building was constructed, due to a corner hill making visibility difficult when entering and leaving the property 'Sometimes, during the working hours, there are no cars there and it will seem pleasant - I would say it's normal. 'If people come during that time and exercise, they will park there and it wouldn't be normal there.' Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was concerned over the building of the home gym because of issues caused by parked cars. 'Parking round here is absolutely awful,' she said. 'It's busy now and it's the middle of the day. 'It gets really dangerous round there as people park along the edge so they can't see when you are trying to drive round from the left or right. 'One neighbour had a head on collision with someone coming round - we have already had issues and accidents because of the parking.' She said she agreed with the council that allowing the development may 'set a precedent' to others. However, Mr Willis said he researched planning rules and believed they could build the single-storey gym without needing approval by the council. It was only after building began and a complaint was made to the council, that the couple were told to put in a retrospective planning permission. A resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: 'Parking is an issue here. 'But, if it's in their garden and it isn't affecting anyone then I don't see a problem.' The resident said that she is aware of 'accidents and near misses' in the area due to problems created by parked cars. Another local said she had sympathy for the couple, but commented that they should have been aware of their requirement to seek correct planning permission. She said: 'I have never seen anybody get irate about parking - there always seems to be enough spaces. 'It's just each to their own. Go and fight your own battles. 'Anybody building that sort of thing should know you need planning permission. 'But, they've done it now, so let them keep it. 'I have sympathy for them.' The couple have been ordered to remove the gym and reinstate the parking area within six months, a decision Ms Woodley has described as 'ludicrous'. She added that she and her partner park a second car they own in unallocated spaces nearby. The IT manager said: 'Of the 18 that are unallocated spaces, there are five to six empty at any one time.' Ms Woodley continued: 'We didn't use both of those spaces prior to the building being built anyway, just because of the constant need to keep pulling out into a road which we didn't have good visibility to see, causing more of a hindrance to pedestrians and drivers. 'There's a bend to the road and a hill, so we have to be on the road to get safe visibility about whether it's safe to move out or not.' Ms Woodley added that the removal of the gym would have a 'significant cost impact' on the couple. Mr Willis is set to lose out on income he earns from fitness instructing if the gym is knocked down. At the planning meeting to decide if their outbuilding would be allowed, Ms Woodley said: 'It's used as a gym as my partner is a part-time personal trainer.' She said the home gym was used for personal training seven hours a week, and clients are asked to park in unallocated spaces at the nearby shops or walk to the gym rather than park in neighbouring spaces. Ms Woodley said: 'We're planning on being here until we retire. 'Obviously we will have the loss of income on a monthly basis which means that things will be a struggle, we might have to sell the property. 'We're looking at alternative options of whether there's anything we can do.' Ms Woodley suggested the couple are looking into using some space in their garden for an outbuilding, but regretted that that would make their garden smaller. 'There was no mention anywhere about the council rules around not changing the use of a parking space', she said. 'It's clearly evident when we walk around the estate, we have got people that have put sheds on their parking spaces. 'Even caravans - what's the difference between us and using it for a caravan? It just seems ludicrous.' At the planning meeting, Miss Woodley said: 'The loss of one parking space does not materially impact parking provision within the development. 'We have expressed to the planning officer that we would be willing to convert the outbuilding into a garage.' Councillor Paul Miller said that parking policies are not usually set aside when planning applications are being considered. He said: 'For retrospective applications concerning important policies, every councillor in every ward has to think three times about them. 'Parking is a national problem all over; we all know that. Another car unable to park at a property is another car that's going to be somewhere else.' Councillor Karen Watts said: 'I don't know if there is something to consider here, it could set a precedent that other people could do the same in the area and there would be no other parking spaces.' Ms Woodley said that her and her partner 'aren't parking on the road, people do park on the road, but they aren't from our house'. She claimed: 'The planning officer parked on the road outside when she came to visit and do the inspection, even though the unallocated space opposite was free.' Councillor Paul Gaskell asked planning officers whether another parking space could be made with the land the couple own. The officer said it would be the couple's responsibility as to whether this could be done. Seven councillors voted for the refusal of the application, one voted against and one abstained.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Couple locked in neighbour row ordered to tear down home gym as war over parking spaces erupts… they say ‘it's not us'
A COUPLE are fuming after being ordered to rip down their home gym after neighbours' "ludicrous" complaints. Emma Woodley and Paul Willis forked out tens of thousands of pounds for the structure on their driveway in Basingstoke, Hants,. 6 6 6 Paul, who runs his own person training business, believed he would be able to build the single-storey structure without planning permission. But the pair have seen their dream work-out space axed after locals moaned it would create parking chaos on the estate. The home gym was erected in one of the two spaces on their £440,000 property, which sparked fear among neighbours the road would be clogged with cars. Complaints resulted in councillors rejecting the pair's retrospective application on the grounds it would "set a precedent". Officials claimed if other residents followed suit, there could be "no other parking spaces" left on the street. Local Olivia Lucas said in a letter objecting to retrospective planning permission: "As a resident, we already have parking issues with either cars parking fully on the road and other users being unable to get past, or parking on the pavements and pedestrians routinely putting themselves, children and dogs in danger having to walk out from a blind spot behind one of these cars. "As this property has already been erected I have witnessed the danger that this owner is causing by parking their car on the road rather than on the driveway that once was (not to mention all of their client's [sic] cars on a Tuesday night). "People turning into [the road] have to use up the full width of the road because they are unable to see the any oncoming traffic due to [their] car being parked on the road and therefore a head-on collision is inevitable at some point." The disgruntled resident claimed the gym forced Paul and Emma to park on the corner of the road which caused visibility issues for drivers. But Emma, 43, hit back: "Of the 18 that are unallocated spaces, there are five to six empty at any one time." The IT manager continued: "We didn't use both of those spaces prior to the building being built anyway, just because of the constant need to keep pulling out into a road which we didn't have good visibility to see, causing more of a hindrance to pedestrians and drivers. "There's a bend to the road and a hill, so we have to be on the road to get safe visibility about whether it's safe to move out or not." Emma also argued clients who train in the gym are asked to park in unallocated spaces nearby, rather than on the street. The devastated couple claimed their loss will have a significant impact on Paul's business. They even said the decision could force them to pack up and move due to financial struggles. Emma branded the ordeal "ludicrous" and highlighted how other residents have caravans and sheds on their driveways. This comes after homeowners who built a tiny gym in their driveway without planning permission have slammed a 'jobsworth' council for ordering them to rip it down. Madam Pal Singh was given the green-light to build a single-storey garage at his semi in Highgate, Birmingham. But when a bigger property appeared at the end of the driveway, town hall planners demanded the structure be razed to the ground. Council chiefs gave the family until July to pull down the new building after losing an appeal, but it still remains standing. Elsewhere, another couple who paid their neighbour £53,000 to build a gym in the garden have branded it "rubbish" - and are suing him for £215,000. Paras Dodhia and his wife Devina had high hopes that pensioner Tommy Joyce would transform the yard of their Middlesex home. But after forking out thousands, the pair were left fuming at the "rubbish" quality and "shoddy" workmanship. The gym enthusiasts claim Mr Joyce's gym was so "atrocious" they were forced to gut and demolish it. Plus, the UK's 'biggest man cave' is finally being torn down as work got underway to demolish the 'eyesore' building. Millionaire accountant Graham Wildin illegally built the private leisure complex behind his home in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, Wildin, 72, has served a prison sentence over his refusal to remove the massive 'man cave' and now, after repeatedly flouting orders from local planners and the court, Forest of Dean Council has begun demolition work. Wildin had the huge building - housing a cinema, tenpin bowling alley and casino, erected at his home in 2014 without planning permission. What to Do If You Disagree with the Council's Planning Decision Disputes over planning applications can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to challenge or resolve the situation: Understand the Reasons: Carefully review the council's decision and the specific reasons for refusal or enforcement. This will help you identify areas to address. Seek Professional Advice: Consult a planning consultant or solicitor with expertise in planning law. They can offer tailored advice and represent your case if necessary. Submit an Appeal: If you believe the decision is unfair, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Be prepared to provide evidence and technical details to support your case. Explore Compromise: Engage with the council to see if a compromise can be reached. Adjusting aspects of the development, such as materials or design, may lead to an acceptable solution. Engage the Community: Support from neighbours and local residents can strengthen your position. A petition or letters of support may highlight the development's benefits. Act Promptly: There are strict time limits for appeals and responses to enforcement notices. Ensure you act within the specified deadlines to avoid further complications. Remember, while it can be frustrating, maintaining a constructive dialogue with the council is often the best way to find a resolution. 6 6 6
