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Double yellow parking remains an issue outside Teynham's Co-op on London Road

A spate of illegal parking outside a store, blamed for the death of an elderly cyclist, is no closer to being sorted after 10 years of complaints.

Drivers often stop on double yellow lines outside the Co-op on the A2 London Road in Teynham.

Cyclist Barbara Phipps, 73, was killed in February 2016 when she was hit by a lorry parked in front of the shop.

Parking problems outside The Co-op on London Road, Teynham
Parking problems outside The Co-op on London Road, Teynham

A judge found delivery driver William Magee failed to check his on-board camera and was critical of his decision to illegally stop on the yellow lines.

The parish council, Swale and Kent County councils are trying to find a solution but nothing has worked.

KCC took no action over a petition started by former pub landlord Phil Hope for better safety measures on the A2.

The Co-op
The Co-op

Teynham Parish Council has posted on Facebook asking residents for ideas on solving the problem.

Brian Sharman, chairman, said: “We’ve been working for well over 10 years. It’s an ongoing problem with no easy solution.

“It’s often people who pass through and stop off to go in the shop or use the cashpoint and park outside briefly – it’s down to the individual.”

Co-op store, Church Road, Murston
Co-op store, Church Road, Murston

Delivery lorries from other companies have also been seen parked directly outside.

Cllr Mike Whiting (Con), Teynham and Lynsted said: “We have tried to solve the issue – we’ve had the lines refreshed to be more visible and increased parking patrols but it seems the problem persists.

“The Co-op is opposite Lynsted Lane and the double yellow lines are there to ensure a decent turning circle.

Cyclist Barbara Phipps died in the accident.
Cyclist Barbara Phipps died in the accident.

“The dangers were demonstrated by the death of the cyclist.”

He has approached KCC to see how railings outside similar shops, including those in Newington and Murston, have been funded.

Mr Sharman added: “Lots of people have suggested bollards and fencing but there’s no evidence these stop people parking as they don’t enforce stopping on the highway.”

Both the parish council and Swale’s Joint Transportation Board will discuss possible solutions at their next meetings.

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