Police time in in Marlow is being increasingly spent on parking issues, say officers, with an average of 900 callouts a year to deal with complaints in town.

Sgt Robin Hughes at Marlow Police Station has revealed that after looking into the workload of his PCSOs, each one dealt with three complaints a week from residents.

Though he said responsibility for parking lies with councils, police still respond to calls and have issued tickets in the most extreme cases.

And to help stem the problem, Sgt Hughes has written to members of Marlow Community Forum – a network of community groups – asking for their help to educate drivers on responsible parking.

He said: “As you are no doubt aware the issue of parking obstruction continues to be an issue in Marlow.

“In many cases the parking complained of is annoying (possibly anti social) but not illegal, therefore if we can trace the owner we have to appeal to their good nature to move their vehicle.

“If the parking is clearly an obstruction or dangerous then a ticket is issued, and many have been issued this year already.

“Regrettably the issue of selfish/thoughtless parking will continue and Police will continue to issue tickets where the law allows and appeal to drivers.

“Education is the key and any ideas from your members would be most welcome.”

Sgt Hughes said many of the calls to his officers relate to neighbour disputes over parking.

He said in the most “persistent cases” the force would consider referring the matter to Mediation Buckinghamshire – a charity that provided help to resolve conflict between residents and neighbours.

Some of the worst affected spots are due to receive single and double yellow lines under plans currently under consultation from Buckinghamshire County Council.

The areas covered in the review were flagged up by Marlow Town Council as some of the worst areas in town for motorists and pedestrians.

They include whole swathes of Dean Street, Wiltshire Road, a small section of Claremont Gardens and part of West Street as well other pinch points in residential areas.

But these plans are separate to the long-awaited town-wide parking review, which is set to take place this summer.

It is hoped this large-scale assessment will end Marlow’s parking woes, with residents in narrow streets looking for permit-only spots and businesses calling for low-cost employee parking areas.

Marlow town councillor Richard Scott this week stepped in after a resident complained of the need for restrictions and permit system on Station Road, which echoed businessman Richard Hunt’s long campaign for changed on the stretch.

Cllr Scott, voted back onto the council last week, said: “As the Town and County Councils have consistently said, the resolution of parking issues in Marlow is very complex and requires a comprehensive solution.

“All the local authorities are working to find a solution that satisfies most residents and businesses without destroying the vibrancy of our Town as a place to live work and visit.”

To see the current county council consultation, visit http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/about-your-council/have-your-say/