Anger at parking outside Horsham restaurant

Carmelas Italian Restaurant has a large outdoor dining area facing on to Denne Road, but says it has seen lorries and vans repeatedly parking on double yellow lines on the corner as they make deliveries to businesses in East Street.

Co-owner and general manager Rossella Raciti, who runs Carmelas with her brother Francesco Raciti, explained they have experienced the problems since East Street was pedestrianised.

She said: “They stop outside with the engine on which is not very nice. People are eating outside. It is affecting trade because people do not want to side outside with smoke.”

Rossella said that they have experienced parking problems throughout the working week, between 10am and around 2pm for the last two and a half years.

The 38-year-old understands that the vehicles need somewhere to go but by parking in front of her restaurant, people walking up East Street are sometimes unable to see Carmelas.

Francesco added: “It makes me angry because it is just blocking us.”

They said problems started when East Street was pedestrianised during the day as part of an experimental Traffic Regulation Order, a change which has now been made permanent.

Rossella has also voiced concerns about road safety for pedestrians, given the spot’s proximity to a nearby care home.

She said: “Yellow lines do not stop them. They just need to have a base where they can unload.”

Rossella has approached the delivery drivers asking them why they park directly outside and they have explained to her that they do not have anywhere else to park, and that they are just doing their job.

Rossella and Francesco have contacted Horsham District Council and hope to get a response from them.

A spokesperson for Horsham District Council said: “Vehicles parked on the double yellow lines on the corner of Denne Road/East Street will be examined and dealt with by normal regular patrol activity.”