The organisation tasked with fixing the district’s parking problems is inadequately staffed and struggling financially, a councillor has claimed.

There have been widespread complaints about congestion caused by commuters in Epping Forest since the North Essex Parking Partnership took over in 2012.

There are common reports of permit schemes and restrictions aimed at solving the problem failing to by implemented.

This week, Gary Waller, portfolio holder for parking, told residents of St John’s Road in Epping that the NEPP is currently focusing on “breaking even”.

In a letter he wrote: “I believe that the principal reason for the slow progress is the inadequate size of the team based at Colchester with responsibility for implementing Traffic Regulation Orders, which is a reflection of the fact that NEPP is required to break even, so that its costs do not fall on Council Tax payers.

“At present NEPP is struggling to cover its costs and would no doubt argue that adding to the number of officers dealing with TROs would adversely affect the objective of breaking even.”

Residents of St John’s Road, who claim they can rarely park close to their homes due to people driving to Epping to use the Tube, have called on the district council to intervene.

Steven Harding said: “Epping Forest District Council devolved responsibility to the NEPP, but now is the time for them to step in and take control again.

“There was an overwhelming response in St John’s Road for restrictions, but a year later, they have not appeared.”

A similar situation is said to be ongoing in Connaught Hill, Loughton.

Residents said they were told a year ago that yellow lines would be painted on dangerous junctions but they have not been introduced.