Residents of Westbrook Gardens have seen an increase in the number of people parking down the road after it was not included in Bracknell Forest Council’s parking permit scheme, which was introduced in October.

Surrounding roads have been made part of the scheme, which only allows residents and visitors with valid permits to park there, leaving Westbrook Gardens open to people looking to park their cars for free in order to access the town centre.

Resident Lynda Kemp said the problem has been going on for years, but said the final straw was when her 90-year-old neighbour and her husband were not able to access their own drive as it was blocked by parked vehicles. Mrs Kemp added that on Monday she was unable to get out of the road due to the volume of cars parked there.

She said she believes it is a mixture of shoppers for the town centre and students of Bracknell & Wokingham College looking to avoid paying to park in the college’s car park and adds that the sheer number of cars now parked down the road makes it difficult for its residents to drive down it and access their driveways.

She said: “It is happening every day now and our drive is becoming just like a car park. I had a 90-year-old neighbour who the other day could not even access her drive and her husband had to park well away from their house, which is not on. I believe at 90 years old you have a right to access your own drive.

“It is going to be even worse when the regeneration of the town centre is finished. It would be good to see the road have its own permit scheme to help stop people who aren’t residents here parking down the road.” Bracknell Forest Council said it was liaising with Mrs Kent to find the best solution to the problem.

In a statement, the council said: “Following a concern raised by a local resident and the witnessing of recent obstruction in the road, local members are now being consulted regarding the parking situation to find the most appropriate solution for the residents.” Bracknell & Wokingham College said it was going to take the opportunity to remind its students to park responsibly and not adversely affect residents.

Jon Samson, the college’s student services manager, said: “The college is in the town centre with excellent access to all public transport but we appreciate that some students prefer to drive. We actively encourage our students to use our Church Road Centre car park or the Bull Lane car park and free shuttle bus.

“We regularly remind our students to park responsibly and not inconvenience residents in our local community.”