Residents Forced to Move Cars on Match Days

A resident living near Crystal Palace FC's stadium has spoken out about the parking nightmare she and other locals face on match days. Caroline, who has lived opposite the stadium for eight years, says the inconvenience is incomparable.

High Footfall on Holmesdale Road

Holmesdale Road, where Caroline lives, sees a significant increase in footfall on match days, with thousands of fans lining up on the road to enter and exit the stadium. To accommodate the large crowds, Croydon Council requires residents at the top of Holmesdale Road to move their cars or risk receiving a parking ticket.

A Two-Hour Nightmare

Caroline describes the process of finding alternative parking as a two-hour nightmare. What should be a 15-minute routine becomes a major inconvenience on match days. She also claims to have received parking tickets despite following the council's instructions.

Residents Upset with Short Notices

Many residents in the area complain about the short notices they receive before having to move their cars, which is often just a day before a big match. With Crystal Palace FC's plans to expand the stadium and increase its capacity, the problem of overcrowding in the area, particularly on Holmesdale Road, is expected to worsen.

Positive Outlook Despite Challenges

Despite the parking issues, most residents still have a positive outlook on the stadium and continue to support Crystal Palace FC. However, they hope that the club and local authorities will address the concerns raised by the community.

Crystal Palace FC's Future Plans

Crystal Palace recently announced plans to develop the main stand, which will increase the stadium's capacity from 26,000 to 34,000. The long-awaited expansion is expected to begin next year. The club has not yet commented on the parking issues faced by local residents.