LONG-SUFFERING residents on an estate plagued by commuters are finally being given their say on parking measures.

Consultation has begun on parking in the Broadway area of Loughton, after delays of nearly a year meant some householders had abandoned hope.

Now, the joint scheme between the district and county councils is promising to regulate commuter traffic, improve road safety, and attract more customers to businesses.

Residents living near Debden underground station have seen their roads brought to gridlock with commuters.

Pensioner Bill Johnson, of Torrington Drive, Loughton, said: “I can't see it working, but I'd like to see something done. It's just so bad on Torrington Drive. They park on the verge, all down the street, everywhere. Someone's going to get killed one day. This is an old people's street and you can't get any ambulances through.

“I've sent the form back. I just put 'hurry up' on it.”

Loughton Residents' Association has sent out leaflets urging people to respond to the consultation.

Vice-chairman David Linnell said: “This is the one chance in a decade we've got to sort this parking out.

“We'd like to see the future scheme balance the provision between commuters and residents. At the moment there are people coming from quite long distances because it's cheaper to park here then using British rail. The parking situation close to the Broadway is quite intolerable.”

The results of the consultation will be reviewed by Epping Forest District Council’s Local Highways Panel and Essex County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation Norman Hume before a final decision will be made.

It is proposed that any changes will be implemented from February 2010 onwards.

For more information and to submit your views online visit essexcc.gov.uk or call 0845 603 7621.