An irate pedestrian incensed by poor parking scrawled on a car's windscreen with a tube of lipstick.

In recent months more and more motorists seeking a spot to park in Loughton have been thwarted by an increased number of residential roads restricted by permits.

As a result, drivers have been leaving their vehicles along lanes such as Nursery Road, which run along the edge of the forest.

To protect their cars from the stream of traffic, motorists have been leaving them across the pedestrian path.

Jane Manley, a 57 year-old carer, said: "Car parking on the edge of forest land in Nursery Road is becoming problematic, with drivers completely blocking the footpath and, in some cases, actually having their wheels encroaching on the forest itself.

"Mother’s taking their children to local schools such as Staples Road and Oaklands are being forced to walk in the road."

As pushchair users risk walking out into the traffic and more of the pavement is taken over, tempers have flared.

One angry pedestrian wrote "Sorry I'm a n*b" in lipstick on a car's windscreen, with the message remaining there for several days.

As for the solution, Mrs Manley, of Ollard's Grove, does not know what would be affective.

She said: "Even if there was a big park and ride I don't think these people would use it.

"There could be a car share scheme.

"I think there should at least be double yellow lines all along Nursery Road and roads by the forest."

Dale Ferry, of the North Essex Parking Partnership, said: "Currently pavement parking is a criminal offence, this must be dealt with by the police.

"Civil Enforcement Officers do not have the authority in this matter.
 
"North Essex Parking Partnership are currently trying to change this type of parking to a civil offence but until this happens we will not be able to assist you further with this matter.

"Please report this vehicle by either calling 101 or via the Essex police website."