Parking on grass verges - a bugbear for many residents - is not illegal and there is little that can be done to stop it, according to a council road expert.

Stephen Underwood, Buckinghamshire County Council’s local area technician for Marlow, said the practice is “open game” on roads without yellow lines as long as pavements are not obstructed.

Residents in Marlow who are upset at drivers parking on verges have placed objects on the grass to stop the greenery being destroyed.

But Mr Underwood said the council has been forced to remove them after complaints from motorists who said they have every right to stop their vehicles on the side of the road.

At this month's Local Area Forum meeting, he said: “In Marlow we have had a very difficult time with that. Where there are not any lines it is perfectly legal and is not an offence.

“We have had complaints that people are protecting their verges and drivers say they can do whatever they want. There is no legislation to protect it I’m afraid, it’s open game.”

However, Marlow Society chairman Martin Blunkell questioned the claim, having been a vocal campaigner against “selfish car parking”.

He said: “If I damage a 30 mph sign then I am damaging public property and I can be arrested for it and have to pay restitution.

“If I damage a grass verge then I am also damaging public property. What’s the difference?"

But Inspector Scott Messenger at Marlow Police Station said parking does not qualify as criminal damage, and legislation to stop the practice is “not fit for purpose”.

This month, the Marlow Free Press reported on the plight of residents in Marlow's narrow residential town streets, with Kristine Kirby of Claremont Road saying parking on the overcrowded roads needs to be regulated.

Do you have a problem with parking where you live? Email peter.grant@london.newsquest.co.uk with your views.