Bid for more painted lines to combat 'errant' parkers in Middleton-in-Teesdale

CONCERNS raised by residents could lead to more parking restrictions in Middleton-in-Teesdale.

The junction of Parkin Row and California Row was one of the problems brought to the attention of Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council.

Proposals are being made for more advisory white lines.

According to residents, the regular parking of a vehicle on the east side of the junction severely limits visibility.

Cllr Andy Mitchell said: “I have been stopped on three occasions about this. They say it is quite dangerous.”

Cllr Lynne Oxby added: “It is parking on the pavement which is the problem.”

The parish council said they hoped to resolve the matter by asking Durham County Council to provide and install a lamppost-mounted mirror to help drivers using the junction. Parish chairman Cllr Adam Hearn said: “I think a mirror seems to be the answer.”

Cars entering Jubilee Place off California Row had also experienced difficulties due to vehicles parking close to the junction.

The parish council had received reports of motorists having to reverse back onto the B6282.

Cllr Rosie Thompson said: “As people swing in, if there is something coming they can’t do anything. They have to reverse back out onto the main road.”

Cllr Mitchell said: “To park that close to a junction is illegal.”

Councillors were also informed that two-way traffic was impossible at times between the pharmacy and the pizza shop on the corner of Horsemarket and Market Place. A car, which is parked half on the pavement and half on the road, limits visibility for drivers. Cllr Oxby said: “It is not good visibility on that corner.”

Similarly, parked cars opposite the surgery have resulted in traffic being down to single file outside the former Bourne Chapel on Chapel Row.

Earlier this year, parking issues resulted in double yellow lines being earmarked for Town Head where it joins the B6277. However, the work has yet to be completed.

Parish clerk Judith Mashiter said: “Knowing that it was on the agenda I made a call to Lee Mowbray at Durham County Council and asked about the yellow lines at Town Head.

He said it is probably because the contractors think it is a long way to go for a little job.”

Mr Mowbray suggested three possible remedies about the recent parking issues which included firstly asking the county council to paint white advisory lines along kerbs and on bends, secondly involving the police if a vehicle is parked dangerously or is causing an obstruction and finally requesting double yellow lines. However, he said yellow lines would be unlikely unless there was a serious accident history associated with the specific location.

Ms Mashiter said: “Linking these together I read that if we want those double yellow lines quickly and we have some other white advisory lines that we need doing, it would make their time worthwhile and they would come.”

Councillors agreed for Ms Mashiter to contact Durham County Council.

A request will be sent asking Mr Mowbray to visit the areas of concern, including by the telephone box on Market Place, with councillors before advisory white lines are requested.