A woman who drove four miles to see her GP ended up having her consultation over the phone while parked on double yellow lines because of unpopular parking restrictions.

Lesley Perschky went to the Sunlight Centre Surgery in Richmond Road, Gillingham, for a one-to-one chat with her doctor because she is suffering with depression.

But after driving around for 20 minutes and being unable to park anywhere, she was forced to stop on double yellow lines outside the surgery and talk to her GP on her mobile.

Mrs Perschky, 47, said: “I explained to the doctor and he was happy to talk to me on the phone, but I think it’s disgusting I had to do that. I should be able to park and see my doctor.

"He was happy to talk to me on the phone, but I think it’s disgusting I had to do that. I should be able to park and see my doctor" - Mrs Perschky

“Apparently the doctors and staff have problems parking as well and have to deal with people moaning about it daily.”

Earlier this year residents of Richmond Road consulted with Medway Council to have permit parking installed after ongoing issues with students from MidKent College and the Universities at Medway commandeering spaces.

But permit-only rules and double yellow lines has made trade very difficult for businesses on the street, including the Sunlight Centre.

Mrs Perschky, of Hamelin Road, Gillingham, added: “I do feel for the residents, but we need to come up with some sort of happy medium.”

There is a small car park at the back but it is quickly filled by doctors and Sunlight staff, so a petition was started at the surgery which people have been signing for changes to be made.

Medway Council has agreed to review the restrictions.

On Wednesday, six cars were illegally parked along the double yellow lines.

Brian Heron, who lives on the road, said: “Parking is an ongoing issue, even with the permits.”

His granddaughter Carla Heron was also there with her five-year-old son who has been poorly.

She said: “I drive here from Chatham and am lucky I can park at my grandad’s with his visitor permit but if I couldn’t it would be a nightmare.

“I think you can park further away more easily, but when you have an ill child you don’t really want to be walking them out in the cold.

“People who are disabled or in pain must struggle as well. It just seems ridiculous not to have parking at a doctor’s surgery.”

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