WHILE reading the letter about coming legislation regarding paving and building on gardens (Front gardens grab curtailed, Letters, June 11) it struck me that it is not a clear-cut solution to the problem.
I had mentioned to people I knew several years ago that drives, extensions and patios all contributed to the apparent increase in flooding in residential areas.
The reason people build extensions is because they can't afford to move up to a larger property, or simply prefer to stay where they are, so extending is the logical, and cheapest, solution.
People have to have drives nowdays as the average house has two cars. Granted some houses may only have one or even no car, but some have three, four or more if they have children living at home, because they can't afford to move out on their own.
Our street has about 38 vehicles for just 16 houses. Also, with all the parking restrictions being introduced in residential areas now, this makes it more of a necessity to have a drive, as each house only receives one permit per household.
The coucil already charges people who have drives done, to the tune of about £800 to get a drop kerb put in.
My issue is that they don't seem to bother about the people who have drives done but do not get the drop kerb done.
People don't park in front of them as they have the drives, so this forces people to park elsewhere, just shifting the problem.
How is the issue of enforcing this legislation going to be done? Will they send someone round after October to make a note of all the houses with drives?
If so, will they also make a note of those that have drives but no drop kerb? After this is done, how will people breaking the rules be caught?
Will someone go round periodically or will someone have to 'shop' any offenders?
The real cause for most problems in this country is down to overpopulation - but that's another letter.
KEVIN WAUGH,
Hillingdon, by email.
