Permits plea to keep students' cars away

Parking permits could be introduced in one of Wolverhampton's busiest gateways in a bid to stop students leaving their cars in the road outside residents' homes.

Householders along the A41 Wellington Road to Bilston have complained that their homes are being blocked in by cars, leaving them with nowhere to park their own vehicles.

They have now launched a petition along with the support of a Wolverhampton city councillor demanding a permit scheme is introduced to stop motorists clogging up the road.

Laura Bennett, a mother of two who has lived in the street for five years, said drivers took her space even when she popped over the road to the petrol station to refuel.

"I'll go across the road for two minutes and when I come back there are no spaces outside my own home," she said.

"It's not fair. There are often times when you just can't get a space."

Mrs Bennett, aged 19, said the problems were being caused by students at the Wellington Road campus of City of Wolverhampton College."

The campus is just opposite my house and I know it's students who park their cars here," she said.

"They cause a problem from about 9am until 6pm. I am definitely going to sign the petition."

Grandmother Sumitra Jassal, 55, who has lived in Wellington Road for six years, said: "When I come back after shopping there is always someone parked outside my house, and nowhere for me.

"It's more of a problem in the afternoon."

Councillor Bishan Dass, of Ettingshall ward, said the residents should be given consideration.

"The students are making it difficult for the residents.

"People can't park outside their own homes and are having to park far away and it's hard if they have heavy shopping bags to carry or even young children.

"They shouldn't have to compromise the safety of their children."

Councillor Dass added: "I think the council could issue permits to the residents and that would solve the problem."