A REPORTED spate of crashes at a 'problematic' junction led to residents and a councillor calling for measures to be taken to improve congestion and parking issues around Darlington’s hospital.

The crashes – one of which is said to have involved a police car – all allegedly took place close to the Hollyhurst Road and Craig Street junction recently.

Ward councillor Bob Carson echoed the concerns of residents living in the area as he pledged to push for action in relation to traffic congestion and problem parking.

Vehicles are regularly parked along the narrow and busy streets in the vicinity, with drivers frequently parking on Craig Street right up to the junction, obstructing the view for motorists attempting to access Hollyhurst Road

Cllr Carson addressed the matter after Christopher Hawkes, whose relative lives on Craig Street, suggested it was a matter of time before someone was seriously injured or killed.

Mr Hawkes spoke out the day after seeing emergency services rush to the scene of the latest crash at the junction, which is close to residential homes, Darlington Memorial Hospital and a school.

On Tuesday, he said he had contacted councillors with his concerns about increased traffic in the area and suggested installing traffic lights on Craig Street.

He added: “This happens to be the third crash within thirteen days.

“One of the cars nearly had the front of their vehicle ripped clean off and the second included a police vehicle…

“I am seriously worried that somebody is going to be seriously injured or killed and it shouldn’t have to reach this point before something is done – it should be done sooner rather than later.”

Cllr Carson said the junction in question was undeniably problematic and contributed to issues with congestion and parking in the area.

He said hospital staff and visitors were vying with residents to park in the area and said: “We need to beef up our discussions with the hospital.

“A multi-storey car park was once suggested and I realise that is an expensive solution but it would help a lot.

“Nobody wants to be negative about the hospital but staff are contributing to this problem and perhaps more could be done.”

A spokeswoman for the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said a review into traffic flow was imminent, adding: “We have 762 parking spaces at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

"As part of our new theatres development, a further 86 spaces will be available by the end of this year, bringing the total number of spaces to 848. We have expanded our car parks as far as possible."

She added: "We apologise to patients and visitors who may have difficulty parking, we’re about to begin a review of the flow of traffic around the site, which will include both visitor and staff car parks. We also encourage our staff to car share or cycle to work.”