Residents Rally Against Illegal Parking Near Hospital

Drivers have been blasted for illegal and obstructive parking near Prospect Park Hospital in West Reading. The hospital is accessed via Honey End Lane; nearby Shilling Close includes Chimney Court, a retirement home managed by A2 Dominion.

There has been a clash over double yellow lines at the entrance to Shilling Close. The extension banning parking was implemented in 2024/25, and a request to remove them was rebuffed by the council's highways team, who said only a small number of residents wanted the change.

Jack Ewins is among neighbours who opposed removing the lines. He said: "We've fought for 10 years to have those yellow lines expanded. "We would very strongly request that these actions are not undertaken. "Illegal parking is blocking pathways in an area of senior citizens and disabled residents." He has provided photo evidence of obstructive parking and has reported incidents to Thames Valley Police.

Decisions about parking restrictions are made by the council's traffic management sub-committee. John Ennis, the lead councillor for transport, said: "I believe that Norcot councillors agree with proceeding with the officer recommendation to remove that request."

A 20mph zone covering the whole of Shilling Close and Honey End Lane (between The Meadway and Shilling Close) is being considered. A report to the committee said speed humps would be required, at an estimated cost of around £70,000.

A police spokesperson said: "Where a vehicle is causing an obstruction of the highway, including situations where the pavement is blocked and pedestrians, wheelchair users or those with pushchairs are unable to pass safely, officers and PCSOs may take enforcement action. "This can include issuing fixed penalty notices and, in some circumstances, arranging for vehicles to be removed. "Residents should continue to report vehicles that are causing an immediate obstruction or danger to Thames Valley Police, allowing the matter to be assessed and directed to the appropriate team. "Concerns relating to parking restrictions and enforcement by the local authority should also be raised with the council. "It is worth noting that many parking matters, particularly those relating to restrictions such as yellow lines, residents' parking schemes, and wider parking management, sit with the council rather than the police. "Thames Valley Police works closely with local councils and other partners where recurring parking problems are identified, including discussions around measures such as the installation of parking restrictions or double yellow lines where appropriate."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter