Drivers fined for 'dangerous' and 'irresponsible' parking in West Wittering

The sunny weekend weather attracted hundreds of people to West Wittering Beach, but visitors had to pre-pay for parking using the app, JustPark, with the car park operating at just 20 per cent of its usual capacity.

Anyone without a pre-booked parking ticket were asked not to visit the beach, as there is no other parking in the village and no available spaces until Tuesday (June 2), but this warning was ignored by some people who parked on narrow, residential streets.

There have also been reports of littering and people urinating in residents' gardens.

Sussex Police confirmed a number of fixed penalty notices were issued by its officers.

A spokesperson said: "Parking itself is not for the police to enforce but we liaise with our colleagues in Chichester District Council to encourage their proportionate enforcement of parking regulations to keep people safe.

"However, police were called about a number of cars that were also dangerously parked, or causing an unnecessary obstruction. A number of fixed penalty notices were issued for those offences.

"We remind people that they should respect the area they are visiting, and park lawfully and considerately.”

West Wittering Estate, which launched the pre-paid parking scheme, said it was aware of 'parking issues' at the Witterings over the weekend and called a meeting with local authorities to 'discuss the matter further'.

A spokesperson said: "Brighton, Bournemouth and other coastal areas were overwhelmed with visitors over the weekend and all experienced similar problems.

“Whilst the irresponsible parking caused problems, the long tail backs that have been experienced for years did not happen, despite issues with parking.

"As Covid-19 restrictions continue to ease, we will release more spaces and have also brought in further temporary road signage and ‘No Parking’ cones to protect some of the worst hit areas.

“The new pre-paid scheme with JustPark is only five days into its operation."

The estate said it believes that, with continued advertising and communication, 'more people will adopt' the pre-paid app and the 'long term benefits for the entire peninsula will be seen'.

The spokesperson added: "In the meantime, we are working around the clock to look at all possible solutions to improve the situation and cannot stress enough the importance to pre-book via the JustPark app.”

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West Wittering Estate urges visitors to be responsible as beach reopens

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