Reading roads works: Cars picked up and moved in street project

George Street and Great Knollys Street, just off the Oxford Road, were this week the subject of resurfacing works as part of the council’s £9 million road improvements project.

The streets are just two of 281 roads that will get makeovers over the next four months in an effort to eliminate potholes and bumps across the town.

READ MORE: Work begins on 281 roads set to be resurfaced across Reading

An additional 34 pavements will also be completed by the end of March, in what the council has called its “most intensive and biggest ever road improvement project.”

George Street and Great Knollys Street were resurfaced on Sunday, February 13 and Monday, February 14.

George Street and Great Knollys Street were resurfaced earlier this week

Signs were displayed along both streets giving residents advance warning of the works and indicated no parking would be allowed during the rollout of a new road surface.

However not all motorists took heed of these notices and there were cars still parked on the streets during the two days of works.

In an effort to complete the resurfacing project, owners of some of the parked cars were given parking tickets for blocking the highway.

George Street and Great Knollys Street were resurfaced earlier this week

In addition to this, the council employed a vehicle removal lorry to pick up and relocate cars that had not moved on from the two affected streets.

READ MORE: Council explains why it is resurfacing town's roads

A Great Knollys Street resident, who did not want to be named, told the Chronicle: “I'm really happy the resurfacing works are taking place because the roads do need attention.

"But the way the council has dealt with the cars still parked on the road is wrong.

"To have cars lifted up and taken away is crazy."

George Street and Great Knollys Street were resurfaced earlier this week

Parking cost residents £42 a year for one car.

A second permit for another car from the same household costs an extra £157.

The 281 roads earmarked for repairs. Search for your road using the text box below

In response, a Reading Borough Council spokesperson said vehicles were relocated as a ‘last resort’.

They added: “A legal TTRO is issued to suspend parking and close the road in order for the works to take place safely.

READ MORE: Listed: All 281 roads in Reading to be resurfaced

“The crews door knock and request cars to move and will only ticket and relocate vehicles as a last resort.

George Street and Great Knollys Street were resurfaced earlier this week

“Advance signage is placed on the street advising of the proposed works which show the day of surfacing.

“TTRO notices are also placed on street but will cover a longer period should there be weather delays.

“Residents letters are also issued advising residents that “it will not be possible to park on the road during this time, and any parked vehicle will be liable for a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and will be removed”.

“The vast majority of vehicles are moved by residents and only a limited number will receive a ticket and be legally moved to facilitate the surfacing works.”

RBC did not respond to a request for information on how many fines were issued or how many cars were relocated.