In my area of Holgate, the city council has recently carried out some very welcome re-seeding of grass verges, which have been badly eroded by regular parking on them, of motor vehicles.

Some residents who previously caused this erosion, now seem to have begun parking on their drives, or on the road.

Sadly, a few have resumed parking on the newly seeded areas, which will prevent the grass from ever regrowing. When cars are absent from these verges the extent of the erosion becomes very apparent.

I noticed that on part of Gale Lane, the city council put up tall wooden posts a few years ago to deter this practice. New Forest roads are similarly fringed with short “dragons teeth” posts. Seemingly, only the highway authority can legally install these.

Residents who try to physically deter verge parking with their own bollards or similar devices, could be prosecuted if someone trips or drives over them.

On a citywide basis, what deterrent and enforcement powers does the council have, and what part can concerned residents effectively play?

Paul Hepworth
Windmill Rise, Holgate, York.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: “In December 2000, the council adopted a policy to deal with damaged grass verges, addressing the increasing concern expressed by residents.

“The policy allows for maintaining the verge with new soiling and seeding, escalating to hard paving.

“The council does have powers under the Highways Act and the Road Traffic Act to address these issues.

“We hope all residents appreciate the green amenity that our grass verges provide and act responsibly when parking their cars.

“If there is a traffic regulation order in place on the street then it is a contravention for cars to be parked on the grassed verge and parking wardens can take enforcement action by issuing a penalty charge notice.

“If residents see a problem then they can report the incident to the parking services hotline on 0800 1381119.”