CAMPAIGNERS are moving closer to winning their battle for parking restrictions on part of a Colchester housing estate.

Part of the Riverside estate off East Hill was not included in parking restrictions.

Frustrated residents living on the estate say this has lead to an influx of commuters parking their cars in Wells Road, Bristol Road and Carlisle Close.

Mark James, who lives in Wells Road, has warned such parking is blocking access to emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, and he said he and others want to see the restrictions introduced for safety reasons.

Mr James approached the Riverside Residents Association, which is to survey residents about whether they want to see them introduced.

He has suggested no parking between 10am and 11am on one side of the roads and 2pm and 3pm on the other.

He has also won the support of Colchester MP Will Quince.

Mr Quince said: “I’m certainly doing what I can to help residents there. I know the area well and I know parked cars there are causing lots of problems.”

The North Essex Parking Partnership has said it will consider a fresh request from residents.

Mr James said: “We will ballot the residents.

“We reckon 85 per cent of residents want restrictions.

“We just want a simple restriction, a yellow line.

“It looks good, we have the support of the community and we are committed to get something pushed through.”

The 35-year-old plans to present a ballot for approval when the association meets again in early February but he warned residents will have to give their views.

The last time the residents association surveyed residents, they were split 50:50 meaning the organisation was unable to take action.

He added: “Twenty objections previously were from car drivers.

“It’s important those in favour of restrictions has their say.”

A North Essex Parking Partnership spokesperson said it would look at a new request and would consider it depending on the feedback received.

He said: “The partnership has previously considered proposals for a parking scheme in Wells Road and undertook consultation with residents, many of whom were opposed to restrictions. Consequently, no scheme was progressed.

“The NEPP considers the potential benefits and impacts of many parking or waiting restriction requests from across north Essex.

“Residents wanting parking or waiting restrictions should demonstrate support including from the ward councillor. Each request is reviewed and scored, looking at key factors including the level of local support, potential benefits and impacts.

“Schemes are then referred to the partnership’s committee to prioritise and agree which will be progressed.”