New double yellow lines increase parking woes in Cotham, Bristol

Newly painted double yellow lines in the Cotham area of Bristol – aimed at improving driver access and visibility at junctions - have caused anger among residents who say they've made parking in the area "virtually impossible".

They argue that up to 40 per cent of the parking spots previously used have been lost with the new road markings drawn up in the past few weeks.

"It's made an already awful parking situation virtually impossible," said Joy O'Lena of Abbotsford Road.

"Most days now I spend about 15 minutes circling round and round looking for a spot. Sometimes I have to settle with parking about a ten minute walk away."

Another Abbotsford Road resident, who did not want to be named, commented:

"If anyone at the council lived in this area they would surely not have introduced measures to limit parking even further. It's ridiculous."

The council say that the double yellow lines have been implemented to provide better access into the roads and make the areas safer for drivers.

A spokesman said: "The new lines have been put in to protect corners. Emergency vehicles and waste lorries have difficulty accessing streets in the area, and parking on corners affects visibility at junctions, making it dangerous to for vehicles pulling out."

Tom Hodge, of Hampton Road, whose car was clipped pulling out of a junction last year, commented that while something needed to be done to improve visibility the stretches of double yellow lines are too long.

"I think they've overdone it," he said.

"About 40 per cent of the spots have been lost now. Especially with the students back I can never park outside my house."

The council has also drawn up a number of white lined parking bays for the up-coming Cotham residents' parking scheme in December.

Of the scheme Mr Hodge said: "With the flats in the area I think there are just too many people that will want permits. I just can't really see how it will work."