DRIVERS ignoring loading bay restrictions are blocking Colchester’s Crouch Street.

The bays on either side of the road have restrictions at different times of the day to allow deliveries to Circle Bar and Qube on one side, and the Bull on the other side.

However, drivers are ignoring the time limits and blocking the road.

Dillys florists is bearing the brunt of motorists’ anger, even though it is not to blame.

Rachael Boucher, shop manager, said: “Originally there were no loading bays, but the breweries needed two bays, because their drivers cannot carry their deliveries across the road.

“We are bearing the brunt with abusive members of the public ringing up and moaning, saying: ‘Your vans are blocking the road’.

“People just don’t recognise the bays have to be used at different times.

“We get about half-a-dozen calls a week, because our vans are signwritten with our phone number plastered all over them.

“We are an easy target.”

Mrs Boucher said Dillys’ three vans abide by the rules.

She said: “It is distressing and upsetting getting someone ranting and raving at you.

“My biggest fear is the emergency services can’t get through.”

A spokesman for the North Essex Parking Partnership, run by Colchester Council, said it was investigating the problems.

He said traffic wardens patrol the area regularly.

He added: “However, we will increase patrols here at the necessary times to try to alleviate the issue.”

A spokesman for Essex County Council said the authority worked with businesses in Crouch Street to overcome the issues over deliveries when the bays were put in, five months ago.

He said: “The restrictions facilitate deliveries throughout the day by allowing loading in a number of designated areas, on both sides of the street.

“The permitted loading times are staggered. They therefore do not allow loading on opposite sides of the road at the same time and the road should not be blocked in normal, lawful use.”