Over the last year or so I have challenged parking problems on the stretch of road near NWL on Abbey Road, which has caused problems for motorists, including bus drivers and access for NWL vehicles. After trying to get this fixed following a planning application for one of the local garages, I had to assist NWL in their push to make it safe for their vehicles. Thankfully this pressure has paid off.

Yellow lines along the stretch from Smithfield to the Northumbrian Water roundabout will be installed soon, following the pressure. A small area of parking will still be included to help keep traffic speeds down.

Following requests from residents the short stretch at the entrance to Smithfield will also be restricted for parking to make it safer entering and leaving the junction. I personally had a near miss there a while ago and know that this will improve safety.

We don’t currently know the reasons for the massive increase in parking in the last week and a half, however, police are putting notes on cars which are blocking pavements and I will be asking for cones to be placed for safety reasons after the weekend as the sudden increase in parking is quite clearly both dangerous and causing problems for pedestrians.

I will also be emailing the relevant council officers to ask that the new markings and signage which have now been approved are put in place as soon as is practicable.

If there are any other areas you think we should look at to restrict parking or increase provision please let us know.