Angry campaigners who claim the introduction of parking charges has brought havoc to their street are demanding urgent action to address the problem.

People living in Framlingham’s Fore Street say the competition for parking spaces from visitors who previously used the town’s free car parks has left them unable to use spaces near their homes and is creating an overcrowding hazard.

John Massey, who lives in the street with his wife and two young boys, said Suffolk Coastal District Council’s decision to introduce charges was “madness” and is calling for residents-only parking to resolve the “ridiculous” situation.

He claims to have received unanimous support for his campaign from neighbours and has called for support from local politicians.

“If we don’t do something about it there will definitely be an accident and the only solution I can see is to make Fore Street residents-only parking,” he said.

“We’ve done everything we can and there’s not much further we can take.” Christopher Hudson, one of Framlingham’s district councillors, who also lives in Fore Street, said there should be an “urgent review” of parking.

He said Fore Street was fast becoming the “road to hell” and suggested the removal of charges or the introduction of residents only parking as possible solutions.

Stephen Burroughes, Framlingham’s county councillor, has called for a “parking summit” to be held to explore all the options.

He has supported Framlingham Town Council’s bid for a “traffic regulation order” extending the double yellow lines to prevent vehicles parking on the “lethal bend” near Saxmundham Road. However, he said he was reluctant to commit to full-scale restrictions along the road, fearing it may deter visitors. “We need to explore where all the parking options are and improve on that,” he said.

Dan Poulter, MP for North Ipswich and Central Suffolk, called for “joined-up thinking” between the county and district councils.