People living near the University of East Anglia are blaming students and their own neighbours for ten years' worth of parking problems.

The Avenues, between George Borrow Road and Bluebell Road, have become "choc-a-block" with drivers, who neighbours say park for free daily while some stay more than a week.

Parked cars are destroying the grass verges neighbours say (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

Residents are blaming Norfolk County Council - who are responsible for maintaining the land - for not introducing permits in the area.

And some have decided to take matters into their own hands.

One person, who has lived in the area for 25 years, has tried to stop the problem herself, pleading for the verges to be left alone.

"It's mainly students," she said. "I have seen some of the same people park here every day.

"I have put notes on some cars in the past.

Posts have been put up (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

"Now I have stuck wooden pegs with fluorescent tape in the ground to stop them.

"Someone stole them on New Year's Day. It's really frustrating.

"I think implementing parking permits could help."

Neighbours have put their own signs up (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

Neighbours have put their own signs up (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

To park in the roads nearby, including North Park Avenue, neighbours have to have a permit.

Matilda Fay, who lives in George Borrow Road, just off The Avenues, said: "It's like a competition to get a parking spot.

"People have parked in front of our driveway before.

"Some people park so obnoxiously, right in the middle of the grass, so that no other cars can fit on there.

Matilda Fay (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

"Even people who have designated parking spaces still park on the grass.

"One of my friends, who had been away for a few days, had to park about half a kilometre away and drag her suitcase all the way back to the house."

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named as she was worried it would cause a row with people nearby, said: "It's parking mania.

"Sometimes cars are left there all week.

Cars parked on the grass verges (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

"It's really churning up the grass, that's my bugbear.

"Recently, it seems to be getting worse."

Parking on grass verges is enforceably banned if a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) has been made for that street or area.

TROs normally ban parking on verges, and often footpaths as well, and they are backed up by upright signs.

But neighbours in The Avenues say that there is only "one tiny sign", which is not visible enough.

Bert Bremner, who lives in nearby Morello Close and is a former Labour councillor for Norwich City Council, said: "The verges are legally protected.

"Around 10 years ago, the verges were reinstated by Norwich City Council as the same thing was happening.

Bert Bremner (Image: Submitted)

"It was appalling with mud in the winter.

"Since then, Norfolk County Council has taken full control of anything to do with the roads in Norwich.

"People have asked for the rules to be enforced and for bollards to be replaced, but the answer from Norfolk County Council is no."

Jane Dewing, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said: "It has always been an issue and for some people it is an urgent issue.

"Some more signage would be great."

Norfolk County Council has been approached for a comment.

WHEN CAN FINES BE ISSUED

Norwich City Council is unable to issue parking tickets if there are no yellow lines.

It is also unable to issue fines if a vehicle is parked on a grass verge and there are no notices stopping them.

In some parking zones, if the area is not looked after by Norwich City Council, fines cannot be issued.

Caravans or trailers that are not attached to a car cannot be fined by the council if they are just parked.

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