Lowestoft shop owner furious as car is abandoned in loading bay for almost three weeks

Carpet Shop owner Ron Smith with a vehicle that has been parked in a 30-minute space for three weeks. Picture: David Hannant Archant

When independent carpet shop owner Ron Smith was able to secure a loading bay opposite his Lowestoft shop he was delighted.

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Carpet Shop owner Ron Smith with the offending car on Carlton Road. Picture: David Hannant Carpet Shop owner Ron Smith with the offending car on Carlton Road. Picture: David Hannant

Not only would customers be able to have a convenient place to stop and load their purchases, but delivery drivers would also have a much easier job.

However, this delight has since turned to anger and frustration, after frequent cases of people abusing the bay and using it to access the beach.

This frustration has now reached fever pitch for Mr Smith, 63, after an untaxed car parked in the space on Saturday, October 21, and sat there for almost three weeks.

Mr Smith, who owns The Carpet Shop on Carlton Road, said: “The road used to be three lanes, but when the area was regenerated, myself and fellow business owners were able to get a loading bay added.

Restriction sign on Carlton Road. Picture: David Hannant Restriction sign on Carlton Road. Picture: David Hannant

“It was a great idea which we were all happy with - it’s handy for people to stop at the chip shop or come to any of our businesses. Now it has turned into a nightmare.”

The car - a red Citroen C4 - remained in the bay until being removed on Thursday - considerably longer than the 30 minutes permitted.

Mr Smith said: “In the past I have reported incidents like this to the police and the council and it has never been made clear to me whose responsibility it is.

“I think one of them needs to take responsibility.”

Mr Smith said people abusing the space also has a detrimental effect on his business, as well as those on the same parade.

He said: “It seems obvious to me that it is affecting business. People might be more reluctant to buy a carpet as it won’t be as easy to get into their cars.

“Delivery drivers are also having to park further down the road and carry the carpets to me, and they are not small things.”

Remarkably, despite its lengthy stay in the bay, the vehicle did not have a single penalty notice on it.

A spokesman from Suffolk Police said: “If a motorist parks a vehicle in breach of condition of a bay, then it is a parking enforcement issue which is the responsibility of police

“If, however, it is a vehicle that has been abandoned, it becomes district council responsibility.”

The bay is loading only between 10pm and noon and a 30-minute parking space between noon and 10pm.

Waveney District Council has been approached for comment on the matter, but has yet to respond.