Thoughtless parking by parents Published March 18, 2008 By Brig. Gen. John W. Hesterman 48th Fighter Wing commander ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- COMPLAINT: On school days, individuals that do not reside in this housing area have been using the Canterbury Close parking area to park their vehicles so that they can walk over to the elementary school to get their children. These vehicles are often parked in the marked and reserved stalls that are used by the occupants of the housing units. Some people use the unmarked or "Visitor" stalls, too, and they even park in the drive that leads to the parking stalls, making traffic flow difficult. This is mainly a problem in the afternoons between 2:15 and 3 o'clock and happens in the mornings to a lesser extent. More than once I have arrived home from work in the afternoon when the elementary school is letting out to find a car in my designated stall and all the visitor stalls are full, too, therefore I have no place to park my car. I spoke with the housing office some time ago, but nothing was done. RESPONSE: Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention. Parking and traffic control are a major safety concern, especially near our schools. Our Security Forces and Civil Engineers have looked at the situation on Canterbury Close and have noticed that at certain times of the day, parking can be a problem. I expect all parents and base personnel to follow the rules and park only in those areas which are open for community parking. Parking in reserved areas only leads to increased traffic congestion and a greater risk of an accident occurring. Anyone who sees anyone parked inappropriately should report the problem to Security Forces, 226-2333, so the vehicle can be ticketed.