A Chinese car dealership in Watford, Hertfordshire, has become embroiled in a parking dispute with local residents as an overflow of new vehicles spills onto surrounding streets and pavements. Residents report that the Omoda and Jaecoo dealership's stock has created chaotic and dangerous conditions, forcing pedestrians into the road and blocking essential services like bus stops.
Over the past month, the dealership has been the subject of more than 130 enforcement visits from council officers responding to complaints. However, the council's ability to issue penalties is limited for brand-new cars without registration plates, a situation that shifts enforcement responsibility to the police. This loophole has been exploited as vehicle deliveries, including the £30,000-plus Jaecoo 7 SUV, have increased, leading to these vehicles regularly lining the roads and pavements.
Elderly residents have voiced their frustration, with 87-year-old Elsie Humphries stating that parked cars obstruct pedestrian pathways, forcing people into the road. Annie Secunda, 83, highlighted how dealership vehicles have blocked a local bus stop, causing buses to halt in the middle of the road and making boarding difficult for the elderly. "It's just the inconsideration that they show for everybody else," Secunda remarked.
Another resident, Glody, 30, noted that new car deliveries arrive daily, exacerbating the narrow local roads. "It's pretty dangerous - the roads around this area are pretty narrow, and if cars are taking up the footpath, people have to walk in to the road," he said. He observed a significant increase in vehicles parked on pavements and roads since the late summer, expressing a feeling that the dealership "seem like they own the place."
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, acknowledged residents' annoyance and stated that the council has increased patrols to address the situation. "We will continue to serve Penalty Charge Notices to vehicles parked illegally where they have registration plates," Taylor said, adding that the council is working with the police and Hertfordshire Highways to manage unregistered vehicles parked improperly, which falls outside their parking enforcement jurisdiction.
The dealership's operator, Endeavour Automotive Group, acknowledged the concerns and stated they are taking them seriously. The company has secured additional compound space to increase vehicle storage capacity, aiming to reduce the need for street parking and keep pedestrian pathways clear. They are reviewing delivery arrangements and parking practices, and expect their staff to interact respectfully with residents. "We remain committed to being a good neighbour within the community," a spokesperson for Endeavour Automotive said.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary stated they are working with Watford Borough Council, the dealership, and other partners to resolve the issues causing frustration and concern for local residents regarding accessibility, road safety, and disruption.