A Southampton woman has called for the end of double yellow lines in a quiet road in Harefield, where residents face being fined for parking in their own driveways.

Lauren Zabiela, 37, has lived on Mansfield Park Street since 2020 and when she first moved into her home there were no parking restrictions on the road.

About a year later double yellow lines were painted along the road. For three years, Lauren and other residents – as well as visiting family and friends – have been faced with parking tickets from traffic wardens, who patrol the road on a daily basis.

She is speaking out after one of her neighbours, Maciej Gawlik, told the Echo he was warned he could be fined for parking on his own driveway.

Speaking to the Echo, Lauren said: “It’s got to the point where if I could afford to move, I would.

"We’re stuck in a cost-of-living crisis, and it seems like the council is trying to make money out of us.

“When the homes were built there were no allowances made for visitor parking.

Double yellow lines on Mansfield Park Street (Image: Newsquest) “There is no reason for anyone to park here other than residential. It's not a rat run because it's a dead end and it's not a free parking hub for nearby amenities because there is nothing nearby.

“Residents recently complained when wardens started turning up daily and the wardens claimed they agreed with us and would report the issue back to the council, but we continue to have the same problems.”

READ MORE: Harefield man could be fined for parking on his own driveway

Lauren added: “I have a six-year-old daughter and sometimes rely on the likes of my dad to pick her up from school, but I’m concerned if he parks outside of my house, he’ll be fined.

“People here are friendly and community spirited and we all communicate to ensure we don't block access or cause anyone else distress.

“We are hardworking people and just want to be left alone and not have to worry about paying unfair parking fines at our own home.”

In a statement, Cllr Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Double yellow lines are used to enable the free flow of vehicles, especially emergency vehicles and service vehicles, in any particular area.

“Drivers who receive a Penalty Charge Notice are entitled to submit an appeal."