A STRICT parking ban on a north Essex island is “farcical” and is having a detrimental impact on small businesses, an oysterman has claimed.

Double red lines now snake throughout Mersea Island in the likes of Coast Road and Victoria Esplanade.

Broman’s Lane also became a red route last summer to stop visitors to Cudmore Grove Country Park clogging up the road and parking dangerously.

The zero tolerance order, which is usually reserved for the most important roads in London, bans cars from stopping in the roads at any time.

It is also designed to prevent parking on verges and in lay-bys, prohibits loading or unloading, and stop drivers from being allowed to get out of or into vehicles.

In addition to angering residents and their visitors, the restrictions are also proving an issue for local businesses.

Tom Haward, 39, works for his dad Richard Haward’s eighth generation Mersea oyster business.

He is calling for the ban to be lifted or revised after being slapped with two penalties while working.

He said: “West Mersea Town Council initiated putting a red route on Mersea Island to try and stop the traffic building up in the summer.

“But all it has done is cause problems for local businesses like mine, as we have received two fines in four weeks while delivering oysters.

“Local businesses were not consulted about it and it is causing problems for a few of us.

“Our council is not engaging with our concerns even though it has been farcical having a red route on Mersea.”

The North Essex Parking Partnership previously said the red lines were a temporary response to the long-standing problem of inconsiderate parking made worse during the pandemic.

A spokesman claimed the restriction would allow Essex County Council to monitor the scheme closely for 18 months.

They also said a formal public consultation would take place if there was a need to amend the scheme or make it permanent.

A spokesman for the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) added:

“The red lines in West Mersea are a temporary response to the longstanding problem of inconsiderate parking, which has worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic and caused dangerous road obstructions and restricted vehicular access in particular streets.

“The measures were introduced to ensure clear and safe road access for all users, including residents, visitors and emergency vehicles.

Some of the red routes are seasonal, some are at ‘Any Time’ all year round – as were the yellow lines they replaced.

“In addition, we have added bays where motorists can load and unload and additional disabled badge holder parking, so it is unlikely there will be displacement of parking in adjacent roads.

"These bays also provide a suitable location for businesses to load and unload goods, allowing for deliveries to take place so local businesses can continue to operate as usual.

 “The temporary restriction will allow Essex County Council to monitor the scheme closely for 18 months.

"Before the end of this period, and if there is a need to amend the scheme or make it permanent, a formal public consultation will take place, enabling members of the public to provide feedback on the proposals.

"NEPP and West Mersea Town Council have been working closely together to resolve the issue.”