Shoreham’s temporary parking restrictions have caused ‘confusion and frustration’, resident claims

Jack Field, who was issued a penalty charge for parking in New Road, where he lives, said the new rules should be made clearer.

The 35-year-old teacher said: “They haven’t put down any road markings.

“What they’ve done is used these really amateur plastic bollards which blow in the wind and get moved by people.”

Mr Field had been heading out for a walk with his wife one evening, their first moment together since the birth of their child, when he saw he had been given a ticket.

He said he believed he was permitted to park in the spot because it was further down the road from the bollards – and said there was ‘no visual indicator’ to suggest parking in that position was prohibited.

When he appealed, he was told he should have read the information on the bollards to find out where the restrictions applied.

But Mr Field said the writing was ‘very small’, adding: “My anger comes from the fact that it’s a really unreasonable expectation.”

He said he had since witnessed ‘lots of people’ getting parking tickets – including visitors who might then be put off returning to the town.

“I’ve seen at least 15 cars that have done the same thing,” he said.

Mr Field has paid the fine, rather than see it double – but maintains the situation was ‘unfair’, adding: “There’s just not much communication of what’s OK and what’s not.

“All they have served to do is create confusion and frustration for the residents and visitors of Shoreham.”

A spokesman for Adur District Council said: “To support our local high streets after the lifting of lockdown, we were asked by the government to draw up a range of emergency measures to ensure our town centres are safe places to visit.

“A full assessment was carried out with colleagues at West Sussex County Council which led to a introduction of a small number of road closures and parking bay suspensions in Shoreham and Lancing.

“These measures, which are temporary and have been regularly reviewed, are to ensure social distancing is possible for all road users in tight spaces.

“The suspensions in New Road have been in place since May with numerous signs and bollards introduced to clearly advise motorists that no parking is permitted.

“We will continue to monitor and review the suspensions in liaison with businesses, the county council and other partners to ensure our places stay safe and welcoming.”