WITH reference to the recent correspondence in the Gazette about the parking problems in Long Lane outside Thurrock Hospital, may I support the comments made by Sandra Snell.

As a regular driver and walker along this road I have to say yes, it is about time something is done.

When walking along this road you see a lot more than when driving and I have witnessed many acts of stupidity and inconsideration.

Some years ago, the council installed metal barriers on the grass verge to stop parking. This only pushed the problem on to the road and gave us the situation we have now.

This is not just in Long Lane, but in neighbouring roads – Crowstone, Heathview, and Victoria Avenue.

These roads are fairly narrow and parking on the road or the verges causes problems for traffic entering or exiting as well as pedestrians trying to cross them.

The metal barriers are useless as drivers can still exit their cars when parked facing west.

When drivers park facing east, the problems to traffic are car doors opening.

It is this practice when, especially, elderly drivers open car doors that make it an accident waiting to happen.

The only solution is to put double yellow lines along this stretch and use the vast space to the east of the hospital to provide alternative parking.

As Mrs Snell states, yes it is the hospital’s problem, but also the council’s.

I do not think patients would have much further to walk from here, but it would certainly be safer and would be free – for the time being anyway. – KEN GAYLER, Victoria Avenue, Grays.