ILLEGAL parking on Commercial Road will be targeted with joint patrols over coming weeks as officers clamp down on street parking.

One of the main concerns for business owners and pedestrians on the street is drivers parking on pavements before going into shops.

While loading and unloading is permitted as a vital part of the retail trade on the road, more is being done to discourage peoplefrom abusing the privilege.

Over the last eight months enforcement officers have visited the street more than 400 times and handed out 70 fixed penalty notices to offenders, with more patrols due.

Paul Gregory, director of Belgravia Lettings, on Commercial Road, said business owners had to set the example to change attitudes, along with enforcement.

“It would not be as much of a problem if they parked on the side of the road, but they mount the pavement, which is a real danger to the public,” he said.

“Part of the leasehold for each premises is that they own part of the pavement in front of the building, as a bit of a ‘front garden’, so legally they are allowed to park there. The problem is that to get there they have to commit a crime and cross a public footpath.

“Cars will be parked directly outside their front doors, and nobody is prepared or able to challenge them. It has developed into a lawless road. It is going to get busier with the development at the top and that is fantastic, but if it was a two-way street there would be space to park.

“The other aspect is enforcement. I routinely call the police and traffic wardens, and obviously they can’t come instantly. By the time they arrive they will simply tell the driver to move on. They go around the corner and come back when it’s clear.

“Customers will park on the double yellow lines and run in to try to cash a cheque or make a purchase, and could be there for 20 minutes or more, and these retail outlets do not have sufficient parking. The drivers are aware but it is force of habit. When I speak to them they say they will only be there for a minute, but it is one minute 30 or 40 times a day. Often our offices are completely blocked.

“I do not know any other town or city where this is happening. They acknowledge the problem, but because there are so many stakeholders with different aims they do not act.

“It is about enforcement but also businesses need to be setting an example in terms of parking. We need to be responsible ourselves.”

Bernie Brennan, director of service delivery at Swindon Council, said: “Commercial Road is subject to ‘no waiting at any time’ parking restrictions.

“It is acknowledged the drivers of vehicles which are parking on Commercial Road but not loading or unloading will drive off as soon as they spot a civil enforcement officer.

“Over the last eight months civil enforcement officers have made 427 visits to Commercial Road. The average time spent during the visit is 9.53 minutes and 70 penalty charge notices have been issued.

“The council could look into introducing loading restrictions in addition to the ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions, but this process will involve consulting all stakeholders in Commercial Road. The layout of the premises means loading and unloading can only be carried out from the front of the premises.”