TIME is running out for residents to have their say on suggestions to change a parking area and disabled bay in Orchard Close, South Ockendon.
A petition launched on the Thurrock council website is urging the council to review the current parking layout and consider improvements for residents.
In particular, organisers have asked the council to focus on improving the position of the existing disabled bay as it currently restricts vehicle access to front patio areas of homes.
It also limits residents’ ability to use their frontage for off-street parking.
The petition reports that the current parking arrangement presents access difficulties for several properties, particularly ones located at the end of Orchard Close.
Currently, there seems to only be one disabled parking bay in the cul-de-sac allocated for all residents.
In a bid to improve safety for residents and visitors, the e-petition asks the council to consider the following:
- An extension of the existing dropped kerb would allow residents to safely access the front patio areas of their properties and create more efficient use of available space.
- Relocating the current bay slightly would maintain accessibility for disabled users, while preventing obstruction of residential access to the properties at the end of Orchard Close.
It is these adjustments which organisers of the petition believe would deliver wider community benefits.
Including improving access for residents and visitors, reducing vehicle congestion within the cul-de-sac, improving visability and manoeuvrability for vehicles, supporting safer pedestrian movement and making it possible for residents to install home electric vehicle charging points.
Thurrock Council said: “The petition is currently still open for signatures. As such, it is still within the active collection period and has not yet reached the stage where it will be formally reviewed.
“In line with the council’s petitions scheme, once the petition has closed, it will be assessed, and we will determine the appropriate next steps based on the number of signatures received and the issues that have been raised.
“At this stage, no decision has been made on whether a formal review of the parking layout in Orchard Close will take place. This will be considered once the petition has closed and been formally reviewed.”
Organisers have also asked if the council could arrange for a highways officer to inspect the site and advise whether the proposal can be considered under current parking and highway regulations.
The petition closes on Wednesday, July 15 2026. It can be viewed here: Petition: Review parking area and relocation of disabled bay in Orchard Close | Have my say | Thurrock Council
