COUNCILLORS have called on authorities including Thurock Council and the police to get to grips with the blight of illegal lorry parking in South Ockendon.

Though opinion about the severity of the problem differs, with some councillors saying action is in place and enforcement has been effective, there appears a general consensus that more may have to be done to combat a rising problem.

Labour councillors in the South Ockendon area say the lorry problem is a significant one for the local community – not just in terms of inconvenience, but physical damage to the area's roads, verges and parking spaces.

Local Labour members Sue Shinnick and Mike Fletcher are heading up the complaints of many residents who say that 'enough is enough'.

Some of the blame is being leveled at vehicles using Rural Arisings, who manage the rejuvenation of Little Belhus Country Park around the Arisdale Avenue area of South Ockendon.

Cllr Shinnick has met with Rural Arisings to discuss the problem, while Cllr Fletcher has emailed the worst offenders to explain the waiting restrictions in force around Ockendon, but says it is clear that HGV drivers haven't been getting the message.

"Residents regularly email me with pictures of parked up lorries and the damage they're doing to the pavements. The council told me that they have sent enforcement teams and handed out penalty tickets but clearly it's not enough," he says.

Cllr Fletcher pointed out that while the vehicle weight limit is displayed on some turnings out of Daiglen Drive and Arisdale Avenue (although there are few signs on the east-facing exits), there are no visible signs explaining the waiting time limit.

"It's too easy for drivers to claim they didn't know," he commented. "We need to take that excuse away. We also need the enforcement team to start patrolling at the times HGVs actually park up, such as first thing in the morning or overnight. Clearly an email from a councillor isn't much of a deterrent – so let's see what a series of fines will do.

"We understand HGVs need a route through the village," said Cllr Shinnick. "But we want them to treat this area with respect. If that takes better signage and smarter enforcement patrols then it should be well within the council's means."

However Conservative cabinet member Cllr Andrew Jefferies is more upbeat about the council's stance – but acknowledges more could be done and he has backed the call for a step up in action.

He says: "The Conservative administration has made enforcement a priority and has increased resources year on year. More now than ever we are seeing tougher enforcement against HGVs which are illegally parked.

Raised concerns

"Unfortunately, the enforcement of weight restrictions in Ockendon rests with Essex Police and there are limitations on what the council can do in terms of preventing HGV's entering Ockendon, but where they park up illegally I support tougher action.

"I have already raised my concerns with the portfolio holder for Highways and Transport and officers and believe that Ockendon should now be the focus of more enforcement activity, the kind of which we have seen in places like Aveley.

"I fully intend to pursue this matter as HGVs should not be parking up in residential areas".

Cllr Angela Lawrence also recognises there is a problem, but believes a lot is already being done.

"I first started reporting HGV Lorries to the council in 2016. During this time officers have put into place signage and sent wardens out to check and give fines.

"HGV Learner businesses were contacted and asked not to use side roads and be more considerate and follow weight restrictions.

"Some of the lorries I noted had foreign plates and might of have been confused using navigation systems.

"My concern is problem will increase throughout Thurrock"

"I have personally stopped, after seeing illegal parking, and when the driver noticed me he quickly moved away. We do not ignore the problem. It is ongoing and very frustrating for people who live there and us.

"My view is the problem will increase throughout Thurrock. Thousands of HGVs travel back and forth here, this should be considered especially when planning is granted for industrial sites.