New parking restrictions to be introduced in Bishop Auckland

On Friday, March 1, Durham County Council’s Highways Committee gave the go-ahead to five proposals in their regular review of traffic orders in the county.

The bid forms part of a wider effort to tackle obstructive parking and improve parking availability.

New proposals for Bishop Auckland include a mix of double yellow lines, waiting restrictions and permit parking.

• Other news: Bishop Auckland man Watson Harrop's novice climbers group raises £30,000 for sick children

All traffic orders were backed by Durham Constabulary and county councillors in the area.

The main change is linked to an area to the rear of Newgate Shopping Centre, off Tenters Street, due to access issues for HGVs.

• Other News: Driver parks in front of speed camera van - police furious at response from public

Changes will include a loading and unloading only area, limited waiting parking bays, a disabled badge holders only restricted bay and restricted parking bays for taxis only.

A report prepared for councillors said the area was currently unrestricted which has been causing problems for businesses as the loading area is often blocked with parked cars.

It said: “Some vehicles are believed to be owned by staff commuting to work who leave their vehicles in this location for the full duration of the day.”

While businesses lodged objections over the lack of free parking in the area, councillors pressed ahead with the plans.

Councillor Stuart Dunn added: “We have an enormous car park next to it, it seems absolutely unreasonable for the traders not to be able to come to alternative arrangements for their staff.

• 'A complete disaster' - Campaigners gather to protest about £50m civic building plans 

“If they need to get there they should pay for parking for them if necessary.”

Councillors also suggested that businesses in the area could strike a deal with the Newgate Centre to use their parking facilities for free or an agreed cost.

Other changes include permit parking in High Bondgate, a permit parking extension in Escomb Road and double yellow lines for Durham Road to the east to improve road safety.

Gib Chare/Durham Chare will also have a no waiting/no loading restriction to improve pedestrian access to Castle Chare.

The meeting heard that surveys would take place to monitor vehicles potentially parking on nearby streets The Willows and The Dell.

If problems arise in future, the council could introduce permit parking in the area.