Seaside residents fed up with antisocial drivers obstructing their driveways and defecating in their gardens are calling for urgent action.

About 500 people living in Botany Bay, Thanet , have backed a petition calling on the council to introduce a residents' parking scheme to alleviate the chaos caused by visitors in the summer months.

Residents have long-complained of physical and verbal abuse from drivers jostling to park as close to the beach as possible.

Among them is Alan Munns, who reports that beachgoers regularly block in residents' cars, obstruct access for emergency vehicles, and even urinate and defecate in people’s gardens.

On one sunny day during the lockdown, drivers desperately trying to reach the seafront were photographed parking haphazardly along Knockholt Road, which runs parallel to the sea by Botany Bay .

Resident Emma Wallace posted photos of people parking right on a junction nearby her home, adding: "Let's hope emergency services won't need to get down the road."

About 200 angry residents attended a public meeting last summer, before consulting with Thanet District Council on how best to address the perennial problem.

Following a consultation with fellow residents, they yesterday delivered a petition to the council, calling on them to solve the crisis by introducing a residents' parking scheme.

Mr Munns said: "It was a challenge under lockdown conditions to be able to speak to so many neighbours, but there’s a real determination among everyone to find a solution to the parking madness.

"We sincerely hope that Thanet and Kent County Council (KCC) will see sense and listen to residents’ concerns with a residents’ parking scheme that suits a seaside community with large seasonal visitor numbers.

“The community has had an opportunity to make its voice heard. We just hope KCC and Thanet council are listening and will finally act to alleviate the problems."

Thanet District Council says it will now review the petition.

A spokesman said: “We are aware of the traffic congestion on roads in this area during summer months. It’s one of the reasons why our Beach Management Plan specifically focuses on the parking issues that large crowds heading to our district can bring.

“There are electronic signs on the A229, temporary static signs at the start of the road to advise people parking is unavailable.

"We also have an increased presence from Civil Enforcement Officers with officers patrolling on foot regularly in the Kingsgate/Broadstairs area and issuing penalty charge notices where possible.

"We also use social media to encourage people to head off the beaten track and visit alternative locations. Our tourism team, Visit Thanet’s messaging advises visitors that car parking at Botany Bay is very limited and suggests parking on Palm Bay Avenue instead which is only a short cliff top walk away.

“We will review the recent submission and subject to it reflecting the views of a significant majority of residents, will present the information for consideration by the Joint Transportation Board who will decide on next steps.
"Residents will be kept informed and if a formal proposal is devised it will be open for public consultation.”

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