A social networking group designed to shame bad drivers and inconsiderate parkers in Whiteley has proved a hit with residents.
The Facebook group which is open to anyone, urges members to post photos of cars parked illegally and inconsiderately in disabled bays, on double yellow lines and on pavements as well as those causing a risk to pedestrians across Whiteley.
And the group has prompted Fareham Council and the police to increase parking enforcement patrols across Whiteley to ensure inconsiderate parkers and those illegally using disabled pays get appropriate fixed penalty fines.
The Facebook group, managed by someone using an image of Top Gear ace driver The Stig and calling themselves Whiteley Parking, states: “By all means post photos of vehicles parked in Whiteley by those who feel they have somehow earned the right to inconvenience or risk the safety of others.”
The site has gained more than 130 members in less than a week since it was set up last Friday (March 15).
One photo shows a car parked with one of its front wheels on the kerb, but with the other three wheels in the road in Hispano Avenue partly blocking the entrance to the road. Another image shows a car parked over two disabled parking bays.
Other photos illustrate cars parked partially on kerbs and partially on double yellow lines.
Some Facebook users have hit back on the site, while others thought it was set up for comedy-value.
One person demanded that images of her mother’s car parked on the kerb be removed while another suggested the organisers needed to find something better to do with their time.
But others have said that the negative comments of offending drivers made the site even more entertaining and would hopefully shame offenders into being more aware of their driving and parking. It is clear that some people have resorted to abuse and have had posts deleted as a result.
Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council, and a Whiteley resident said: “I would not personally set up a Facebook page and start having a go at people on it. That’s why I’ve contacted the police and my enforcement team and there will be police officers and civil enforcement officers in Gull Coppice until the parking is dealt with.
“I have also met tearful parents who desperately need disabled bays for children and others and find them frequently blocked. It’s not just in Whiteley it’s a country wide issue.
“Pavement and illegal disabled parking is a scourge and the council is utilising its 12 civil enforcement officers, working with the police as appropriate, to tackle it.
“The council can enforce any parking restrictions as well as obstruction of dropped kerbs. The police can enforce any other pavement parking.”
He said officers would be issuing fixed penalty notices of £80 to those illegally parking and added: “Sadly that’s what it takes to deter people. They’re only deterred when it starts to hit their wallets.”
Police said they would be directing more resources to deal with some of the parking issues with the council enforcement officers and would also be monitoring the Facebook group.