A frustrated resident is calling for action to ease parking problems in St Albans which are leaving residents unable to park close to home.

Emma Kosh, of Sandridge Road, said there are days when she is not able to park near her home and at the weekend she even has to consider whether to go out because she is never sure she will have a space to park when she gets home.

The 32-year-old said: "Since I moved here six years ago parking has been a huge problem, it is literally the only negative we've found living here.

"It's the only thing our neighbours complain about and it's the subject of many a debate.

"With recent changes to road lines further decreasing available parking I've decided enough is enough."

Mrs Kosh said the road is renowned for being close to town and a place to park for free, and she has had people as far afield as Stevenage informing her they park there when visiting St Albans.

The interior designer added: "The main problem is commuters. We are walking distance to town and the station and we observe people parking their cars, getting out in their suits and leaving their cars all day whilst they work.

"The problem with this is that there is no car movement during working hours so residents are having to park far away from home and it makes unloading of shopping or children impossible and dangerous as we have to cross busy Sandridge Road.

"Also along surrounding roads cars park along both sides making access for emergency vehicles and service vehicles impossible.

"Recently the bins on Spencer Gate were not emptied because the lorry couldn't get between the parked cars. Bins are a small issue but what if that had been a fire engine?"

Mrs Kosh has started a petition urging St Albans District Council to introduce a period of two hours in the middle of the day where residents permits are required to deter the "all-day parkers".

She added: "I've been forced to park illegally on double yellow lines whilst I unload the shopping, what do you do?

"Leave your kids in the car while you unload the shopping parked dangerously?

"Or put your kids in the house alone whilst you unload your shopping and then back into car to find a parking space - all of which ends with us all crossing busy Sandridge Rad?

"It's a lose-lose situation and one we endure daily."

To view the petition, click here.

Do you think permits should be introduced on the road? Enter our poll above and comment below. Alternatively, email charlotte.ikonen@london.newsquest.co.uk.