New parking restrictions are set to be introduced in Barnard Castle if county councillors back a raft of plans next week.
A recent review by Durham County Council looked at the existing regulations and several new restrictions are being planned.
The authority says this is in response to residents’ concerns.
However, residents who responded to the proposals say more curbs would exacerbate the already “dire” parking situation in the town centre.
One objector said: “Through their proposed plans, the parking department will reduce the parking spaces available in Barnard Castle.
“The vehicles that would have parked in those spaces will now seek other free parking spaces, for example, in Hall, George, Ware, and Queen Streets.”
Council officials say the changes would improve road safety for all users. The local authority responded: “While it is appreciated parking is at a premium within the town centre, the proposed restrictions are to ensure the safety of vehicle movement throughout the town.”
Councillors will consider the changes at a highways committee meeting on Monday, December 16. They will look at proposals for:
Vere Road
The council says proposed restrictions have been requested to address access issues associated with obstructive parking at the junction of Vere Road/ Commercial Yard, improving road safety when using the junction.
Vere Road is located directly north of Galgate and adjoins the A67 via multiple side streets, including Flatts Road.
A council report states: “Residents have raised concerns that vehicles are parking within close proximity to the junction of Vere Road and Commercial Yard which is obstructing access and restricting manoeuvrability, particularly for large service vehicles such as waste removal and emergency services and reducing visibility on access and egress to Commercial Yard.
“It is therefore proposed that no waiting at any time restrictions be introduced to cover the existing advisory white keep clear’ markings and in addition to lengthen those restrictions to allow for appropriate manoeuvrability for service vehicles and improve road safety.”
Six objections were sent to the council following the proposed changes. One resident warned: “The lines proposed are far longer than the current white lines and will deprive residents of several parking spaces.”
Highways officers say the restrictions would ensure there is an unobstructed flow of traffic and clear visibility for road users when exiting Commercial Yard, also ensuring emergency and larger vehicles can service the area.
Newgate
The proposed restrictions have been requested to tackle obstructive parking at the junctions of Hepworth Yard, North View and Wood Street.
The report read: “Residents have raised concerns regarding obstructive parking on and around the immediate junctions of Hepworth Close, North View and Wood Street with Newgate which is limiting visibility for road users and reducing available space for access/egress onto Newgate.
“There are advisory keep clear markings and hatched areas on either side of these junctions, however, vehicles are still parking over the advisory markings causing obstruction and visibility concerns.
“It is therefore proposed that no waiting at any time restrictions be introduced, to cover the full extent of the existing advisory markings, to prevent obstructive parking and improve road safety.”
Three objections were sent in response to the Newgate plans.
One states: “Your proposal will have a profound and negative impact on the number of parking spaces available, chiefly for residents, but also local shop workers,” said one objector.
Another objection added: “This proposal, should it be passed, would further reduce the current already dire parking situation on Newgate for residents.
“It is almost impossible to park during office hours, Monday to Friday, due to the number of people who work in town.”
Durham County Council said the proposals have originated following reports concerning limited visibility due to parked vehicles and will reduce congestion.
The Sills
The proposed restrictions have been requested to address issues associated with obstructive parking at the junctions of Ullathorne Rise and Gill Lane.
Flatts Road
The proposed restrictions have been requested to allow unobstructed access to the fire hydrant located on Flatts Road.
Police raised concerns that vehicles are parking over the fire hydrant, stopping emergency access and likely to increase the response times of the emergency services.
A no waiting at any time restriction is set to be extended at the junction of Flatts Road and Galgate, to cover the fire hydrant to allow appropriate access to this utility outlet.
Despite objections, council officers say it is necessary to approve the changes to combat the “obstructive and inconsiderate” parking in the area.
