Few residents of Haddenham will have failed to notice the difficulties that are being created by on-street parking. Navigating residential roads, particularly close to the railway station and in the older, narrower parts of the village, can be very challenging as a result of large numbers of cars and traders' van parked at the kerbside.
Selfish or thoughtless parking can also cause difficulties for home owners seeking to access their own driveways, or for parents pushing buggies along narrowed foot paths. The problem is likely to be exacerbated by the growth of the village and the fact that a significant number of households in Haddenham own two or more vehicles.
Recently there have been concerns expressed about the roadside parking on Thame Road, which is a primary route into and out of the village from or towards the station, Thame, Oxford and the M40. Thame Road also provides access to many small business units on the West side of Haddenham.
One of those businesses has been thinking creatively about ways to help alleviate some of the pressures on roadside parking and is looking for householders who may have spare capacity on their driveway during the day time.
The company would be prepared to pay a modest fee for the privilege of allowing their staff to park on unused private driveways during office hours.
This would seem to be a win-win. Not only does it help those employed locally to have a safe parking place for their vehicles, it also provides an income for homeowners while helping to alleviate roadside parking problems.
The local business in question is based on Thame Road. Other local companies might also wish to consider participating in this new initiative, should it prove successful.
If you have daytime space available on your driveway and are potentially interested in gaining a modest rental income from its use in this way, please email: claire.davies@cosineuk.com
