Watford dealership parking row as cars spill onto streets

Watford residents raise concerns over dealership cars blocking roads and pavements

Watford dealership parking row as cars spill onto streets Residents in Watford have raised concerns about cars from a Jaecoo and Omoda dealership being parked on surrounding roads and pavements, with claims that the situation is causing congestion and making it harder for pedestrians and buses to pass. The dealership on Lower High Street has reportedly received more than 130 enforcement visits in the last month as the council increases patrols around the area. Cars parked on roads and pavements Residents say vehicles linked to the dealership have been taking up parking spaces and appearing on pavements, with some cars reportedly having no number plates. The situation has caused particular concern about pedestrian access, as people using the pavement may have to move into the road when vehicles are blocking their path. Residents have also raised concerns about a nearby bus stop being obstructed, with buses reportedly having to stop in the road rather than at the normal stopping point. One local resident said deliveries of new vehicles were arriving regularly and that the number of cars appearing around the area had increased towards the end of summer. The parking problems have also prompted concerns about road safety because of the narrow roads around the dealership and the number of vehicles being stored outside the site. Watford's elected Mayor Peter Taylor said local residents were understandably annoyed and confirmed that the council had increased patrols in an effort to change the situation. The council said more than 130 enforcement visits had taken place during the previous month and that Penalty Charge Notices would continue to be issued to illegally parked vehicles where registration plates are present. However, the council said its parking enforcement team could not deal with some unregistered vehicles, with police and Hertfordshire Highways being involved to consider what further action could be taken. Hertfordshire Constabulary said it understood residents' concerns about accessibility, road safety and disruption and was working with Watford Borough Council, the dealership and other partners. Endeavour Automotive Group, which operates the dealership, said it was aware of concerns about vehicle parking and deliveries and was reviewing the issues with its site management team. The company said it had secured additional compound space, with three compounds now available, to increase vehicle storage capacity and reduce pressure on surrounding roads. According to the company, the additional space is intended to reduce the need for vehicles to be parked on surrounding roads, grass verges and pedestrian pathways. The dealership also said it was continuing to work with its teams and logistical partners to ensure vehicles were stored responsibly and in accordance with local parking regulations. For local drivers and pedestrians, the situation highlights how vehicle storage and deliveries can affect parking availability and access on surrounding streets when dealership sites come under pressure.