A driver has described ‘pure carnage’ and traffic chaos outside a half-term Halloween event at a country park.
Chaos erupted outside California Country Park in Finchampstead as families flocked to a Halloween Fun Day. The free event, featuring activities and a meet-and-greet with actresses dressed as Alice and the Wicked Witch, drew hundreds on Tuesday, October 28th.
However, drivers faced frustrating traffic delays due to poor parking decisions. Photographer Paul King captured images showing heavy congestion along Nine Mile Ride, with local bus services caught in the gridlock.
Residents shared their frustrations on Facebook. Kirsty Elizabeth described the scene as “pure carnage” and suggested the event lacked planning, saying, “They should have had staff in the car parks directing traffic or letting people know the car parks were full!”
Olive Law, a local resident, added, “We needed to get out for a funeral, but because of the inconsiderate parking on Nine Mile Ride it was chaos.”
Jackie Wilkins pointed out that many were avoiding parking fees, saying, “The car parks are big enough, but people would rather park for free on residential streets.” Parking costs £2.40 per hour, or £9.60 for longer stays, with around 300 spaces available including disabled spots.
Furthermore, ongoing electricity works on a section of Nine Mile Ride have contributed to the heavier traffic, expected to last until Friday, October 31st.
The event organiser, JL Events, has yet to respond for comment, as has Wokingham Borough Council, the authority overseeing local highways.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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