The problems Jeremy Saunders is experiencing with commuters parking in Hayclose Lane at Kendal was reported (Gazette, July 26, 'Action needed to tackle parking').

I can advise that here in Oxenholme we have been battling this problem for many years and, despite raising this with South Lakeland District Council, Cumbria County Council, the highways authority, our elected councillors, Virgin and our MP, little has been done to resolve the problems.

Some years ago, due to the difficulties created by vehicles parking on both sides of Helmside Road, yellow lines were introduced and some residents' parking bays created at the northern end of the village. Shortly afterwards some residents' bays were removed to allow more on-street parking.

The Post Office was forced to seek its own shoppers' parking bay as Helmside Road soon became a free for all, with commuters not wishing to pay £12 a day parking charges.

Commuter parking is a daily occurrence, with some parking for days and, at times, weeks on end. This, of course, is perfectly legal, despite the frustrations of residents unable to park outside their own homes.

There is, however, also some illegal parking in residents' bays which is difficult to police. Tickets have been issued but the cost of fines is often less than a week's parking at the station if paid within 14 days.

Many green space front gardens have become converted parking out of desperation. The traffic survey carried out in 2017 showed a total of 19,714 vehicles a week (2,817 vehicles a day ) travel both ways along Helmside Road with 571 of those exceeding 30mph.

With narrow pinch points and impatient drivers refusing to give way, cars accelerate through at speed and, at times, choose to drive on the pavement to pass other vehicles, endangering pedestrians.

A community speed-watch scheme has been introduced to educate and deter the speeders, a Residents Association is soon to be launched to discuss options and we have met with our recently elected councillors to discuss options for more residents' parking, discuss zones, enforcement etc.

The closure of the second station car park has exacerbated the situation but won’t alleviate those seeking free parking.

There is no easy solution in the age of the car, diminished public transport, low incomes etc. Virgin and NCP refuse to budge on parking charges and with businessmen claiming expenses (including parking) they seem to be guaranteed a full car park.

Local businesses have introduced cheaper parking and these are also full. The new car park at Oxenholme House will be popular but won’t deter those seeking free parking.

The Gateway to the Lakes seems to have been beset with problems recently - Northern Rail, heavy traffic, reduced public transport. Please spare a thought for those residents who live and work in this fantastic area, many of whom cannot park where they live.

If you use the station consider your options for avoiding parking on residents' streets - walking, cycling, obtaining a lift, taxi, bus. Not always easy with luggage but possible for some.

Steve Warner

Oxenholme