Hit-and-run drivers who have damaged parked cars in Sidmouth have been slammed by a ‘disgusted’ resident who was forced to pay out hundred of pounds in repairs.
Mark Chapman contacted the Herald after his Audi was hit three times in two months.
And, since contacting the paper his neighbour’s car has also been left with damages, including a torn off wing mirror, broken headlamp and groove down the wing.
Mr Chapman said he came home on Friday, October 12, to find someone had left red paintwork on his car and his bumper damaged and in need of being replaced.
Mr Chapman, who lives in Alexandria Road, has now called on the culprit who drove off without reporting it to take responsibility for their actions.
He added: “I would like to get in contact to see about replacing it and having my paint back.
“If they didn’t realise that it happened then I don’t think that they should be driving, and if they did realise then it is disgusting and very dishonest of them to drive away and not leave their details.”
Mr Chapman said he believed the ongoing issues were a consequence of cars going too fast on the road.
He added: “It just isn’t safe to park our cars in front of our homes anymore.
“Many don’t realise or don’t care.
“People ignore the 20mph sign at the top, and there aren’t signs at the bottom. People are too dishonest to admit it, or such bad drivers that they don’t realise that they have done it.
“One day, when a speeding motorist cuts into a gap to avoid another speeding motorist coming the other way, there is going to be a child walking to school or an elderly person walking to Lidls.
“Then what will happen? Is this what has got to happen before some sort of traffic calming is established on Alexandria Road, as well as scratched bumpers and bashed mirrors?”
Sergeant Andy Squires said: “Drivers are required by law to report road traffic collisions as soon as practicable at the nearest available police station after a collision and in any event within 24hrs.
“Failure to do so is an offence. This particular area is within a 20mph zone and police will be carrying out speed checks over the next few months. You have been warned.”
Stuart Hughes, the county councillor responsible for highways management, said: “Having now taken an initial look at this incident it would appear to be down to driver error rather than speed related, however I have requested that we carry out some speed surveys in Alexandria Road and we can then see if there is an issue of speeding and if so take a look at measures that can be taken to address the problem.”
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