…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
A local mum has raised accusations of an “invasion of privacy” against her local council after a parking ticket machine was installed just six inches away from her home.
Tracy Coles, aged 35, was shocked to discover the four-foot-tall ticket machine positioned adjacent to her front garden wall on the pavement.
To add to her dismay, it was conveniently placed right next to the entrance of a side alleyway leading to her home.
Tracy claims that she was not consulted by the council regarding the installation and was later informed that planning permission was not required.
Tracy voiced her concerns, acknowledging the need for the machine to be situated somewhere.
However, she pointed out that in the nearby streets, the meters are positioned at the end of the road, discreetly placed against people’s side walls, and out of sight.
The offending ticket machine is not operational yet, and Tracy has been informed that it will only start functioning in July.
Nevertheless, she firmly believes that when it becomes operational, the privacy of her home will be compromised.
Moreover, Tracy asserts that she is not the only frustrated homeowner on her street.
She stated, “It’s the only one down my street, and I frequently use my alleyway, especially during the summer.
My young kids love to play outside, so having this hazard right next to my wall is concerning.
It infringes upon my children’s privacy because, as you know, kids tend to open curtains when people are outside.
Many residents have approached me, expressing their discontent and stating that they would not appreciate having such a machine outside their own homes.
As a resident, I am truly dissatisfied with the situation.”
Upon being approached, a spokesperson for Bedford Borough Council explained the rationale behind installing the meter but did not address why it was placed so close to Tracy’s home.
The spokesperson clarified, “We received requests from residents in the area to establish a controlled parking zone in Churchville Road.
As part of this initiative, pay and display machines were installed to allow visitors to pay for parking.
We have informed residents that they can apply for a residents’ parking permit, eliminating the need to use the pay and display machine.”
In summary, the installation of a parking ticket machine mere inches away from Tracy Coles’ home has prompted allegations of privacy invasion.
Tracy claims she was not consulted, and the council informed her that planning permission was unnecessary.
Concerns about compromised privacy and the potential hazards for her children’s outdoor activities have left Tracy discontented.
Other residents in the area have also expressed their dissatisfaction.
While the council explained the purpose behind the machine installation, they did not address the specific proximity to Tracy’s residence.
Residents have been informed about the option to obtain a residents’ parking permit to avoid using the pay and display machine.