PARKING along a road next to a March level crossing is unsafe, undesirable and unacceptable.

Cambs Times: Parking problem on Elm Road- north of the town's station.Parking problem on Elm Road- north of the town's station. (Image: Archant)

That is the view of Cambridgeshire county councillor Steve Count who is desperately seeking a solution to the problems on Elm Road - north of the town’s station.

Cllr Count said: “I have been a county councillor for March North for just under two years.

“During that time I have found solutions to some issues, some issues are ongoing but I have one issue where all solutions appear seriously flawed.

“Anyone who drives along Station Road and Elm Road must by now have realised that parking north of the railway gates causes considerable problems.

“The road becomes blocked when two large vehicles try to pass and the buses sometimes don’t stop because inconsiderate parking has blocked the bus stop.

“Vehicles have also become trapped on the railway line. None of this is safe, desirable or acceptable.”

Cllr Count has posted his concerns on community website ShapeYourPlace, appealing for residents to come forward with ideas to solve the problem.

Commuters often park on Elm Road to avoid being charged to leave their vehicle in the station car-park.

Cllr Count said: “The town council has spoken to Network Rail to ask them to stop charging, as it is those unable or unwilling to pay causing the problem. However Network Rail was unwilling to do this.

“The town council has also asked if parking at the Braza club could help relieve the problem. However this has been trialled in the past.

“Many people commuting to London worked such long days that club users couldn’t get into the car-park in the evening.

“There were other very valid reasons why the Braza couldn’t allow commuters parking, one of which was a legal matter and I entirely sympathise with them.”

Cllr Count said that painting double yellow lines in the area would only increase parking where people live, such as Queen Street, Peterhouse Crescent and Estover Road.

A transport strategy for March has recognised that the issue must be addressed and Cllr Count has called for the public to give their views.