A neighbour has called for a crackdown on obstructive pavement parking off one of the busiest roads in Reading.
Basingstoke Road is a major route into and out of town, with thousands of people living in streets running off it.
The stretch of the road running through Katesgrove is home to six food businesses, a pharmacy, a supermarket and a newsagent.
But neighbours in the area have complained about drivers parking their cars on the pavement in Basingstoke Road and its junction with Surrey Road, which is a one-way street.
The issue has been raised in a public question at a Reading Borough Council meeting.
Richard Wong said: “I have spoken with residents in Katesgrove who have expressed concerns about illegal pavement parking at the junction of Basingstoke Road and Surrey Road.
“Vehicles parked in this manner obstruct the view of drivers exiting Surrey Road and pose a safety risk, particularly for disabled residents.
“Please could the council provide information on recent enforcement activity in this area? And are there any plans to increase enforcement or take further action to address illegal parking at this location?”
Mr Wong highlighted a streetview image from last year showing a blue car parked on the pavement.
Referring to the image, John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for transport, said: “The vehicle shown in the image is parked on private land, which unfortunately means we are unable to enforce against it, as enforcement powers only apply to vehicles parked on the public highway.
“However, enforcement activity has taken place in the surrounding area. Specifically, we have issued Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to vehicles parked on the double yellow lines at the junction of Surrey Road and Basingstoke Road.
“These vehicles were parked on the road itself, not on private land.
“So far this year, four PCNs have been issued at this location, with the most recent being in June. In addition, eight PCNs were issued last year for similar offences, vehicles parked in line with the no entry sign but still on the public highway.
“Any vehicles observed parking in contravention of restrictions can be reported directly to the council using our online reporting tool.
“This helps our enforcement team respond more effectively to ongoing issues.”
He gave the answer at a meeting of the council’s traffic management sub-committee on Thursday, September 11.
Mr Wong is a member of the Labour Party, and he has appeared on the Summer 2025 ‘Reading Banner’ leaflet.
It is understood he will be standing in the Katesgrove ward.
