East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) is asking its residents not to park on grass verges or open spaces to prevent damage from vehicles. 

The number of reports made to ECDC by residents regarding the state of the grass verges and mud transferred to paths and roads, due to the damage left by cars parking on wet grass, increase dramatically at this time of year.

Councillor Bill Hunt, Member Champion for Assets at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Issues such as damage to grass verges and mud on our roads and footpaths occur more frequently during the autumn and winter months.

“It can have a negative impact on not only the upkeep of the grass verges but, also safety to those using the spaces.

“The churning up of grass from cars can create holes and ruts which can become dangerous to residents. With darker mornings and evenings following the clocks going back, these areas become less visible during the rush-hour period when people are travelling to work and school.

“Following an incident in my own division where parking has recently created access issues for both public transport and emergency vehicles, I would urge road users to take care and be considerate when parking their vehicles.”

Since April 2018, a total of 28 reports were made to the council on this issue.

Councillor David Brown, Chairman of the Finance and Assets Committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We would encourage residents to park their cars on surfaces which are more likely to withstand the seasonal weather.

“This will ensure the safety of all road users as well as the maintenance of the local street scene.”