A blind woman has been unable to leave her home because of rail commuters who are said to be avoiding new pay-to-park measures at Martin Mill station.

Southeastern introduced £4 a day or £755.20 a year parking charges at the village railway station on Tuesday, January 2, when it had been free.

Since then, Chris May, 63, of Station Road, says vehicles have been parked directly outside his home, often from 6am until 7.30pm.

Because there is no pavement, the cars are blocking his gate.

It has meant his visually impaired wife, Alison, 70 – even with assistance from guide dog Bonnie – has been unable to leave the house.

He has reported the problem to Dover District Council, Kent Highways and the police and is asking for double yellow lines or resident’s parking permits to stop it happening.

Mr May said: “People are really angry. The car park, which was previously full, is now looking pretty much empty.

“The knock-on effect is cars are being parked indiscriminately on the surrounding roads, blocking gateways and presenting a danger to blind, disabled and other residents.

“My wife called me to say she didn’t know what’s going on but she couldn’t get out of the gate. A car had blocked our gateway.

“She has always been independent but it stopped her going out.

“I fear that when she can actually get out of our gate, she’ll have a serious accident while trying to cross the road.

“It shouldn’t happen. It’s selfish and moronic, all for the greed of the railway company.

“Hopefully the powers that be who have said they will look into the problem will be able to help with yellow lines, bollards, resident only permits or something.”

A DDC spokesman said: “We do understand residents’ concerns in this matter, however, Dover District Council can only enforce existing parking regulations.

“The introduction of new parking restrictions is a matter for Kent County Council as the Highways Authority.”

The Mercury is seeking comment from Kent Highways and Southeastern.