Dear Sir,
May I draw attention to the ever growing problem at Bewick Crescent Doctors Surgery and the sheer disregard for safety many people have at peak times here. If it’s not pedestrians diving across the road in front of cars which is bad enough, it’s the absolute shambles of lazy people abandoning their vehicles down the side of the premises rather than using the car park which means you take your life into your own hands trying to get past these whilst watching for oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Often large vans will take to parking right on the upcoming street corner which means visibility of such oncoming traffic is severely reduced. On a night, after finishing work, I have to tackle this as a nearby resident and an incident tonight has left me questioning more than usual, why this issue hasn’t been raised sooner as opposed to spending money on something such as unnecessary signage for Aycliffe shops – hardly a safety issue.
A number of cars were left at the side of the road tonight so I had to overtake these stationary vehicles. As I was pulling up alongside one, the owner decided to pull out without making their intention to do so known and regardless they should have waited until the traffic was passed before pulling out. I had to slam my brakes on, yet they continued on, oblivious to the fact they had almost drove straight into the side of my car and then nonchalantly drove into the car park via the exit, again without indicating.
I often question how some people manage to become in charge of a vehicle especially after this incident (and the mini roundabout no-one understands road rules for at Tesco – another story for that one).
I implore the powers that be of the town to research potential ways this can be rectified before a serious accident occurs as it is only a matter of time.
Name & address supplied
The Surgery should have no cars on this yellow line, but most times it has up to four cars parked here with a car park only a few yards away.
From Bewick Crescent Surgery
Thank you for bringing this to our attention; this is an issue which also concerns us, not least because parking outside the Surgery blocks access for ambulances.
Although many of our patients are disabled and can park legally in front of the Surgery, there are others who do park inconsiderately.
We will be discussing how best to raise awareness of this issue with our Patient Group; we do currently have a message on our call-out screen reminding people to park considerately, and will be including guidance in the next version of our practice leaflet.
With regard to the large vans which park outside the Surgery, we have many deliveries during the day, as does the Pharmacy next door, and these vans have to stop outside the Surgery to unload. We do ask anyone visiting the Surgery for maintenance etc., to park further up Bewick Crescent away from the corner and junction, and will remind them to do so. Any vans parked in the evening have no connection with the Surgery.
We have been in touch with Durham County Council and they will be adding Bewick Crescent Surgery to the patrol areas for parking enforcement.
The Partners would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients and visitors to to park with due consideration for others, and to cross the road carefully.
The Partners of Bewick Crescent Surgery
