A NORTH-EAST council has been warned of a potential "deadly crash" after residents accused a garage of continuing to "dump" customer cars on part of a major road.

Sunderland City Council has been accused of being "scared" to take action after residents claimed cars are being left illegally parked outside O'Connors Garage on Durham Road.

Last month, pictures emerged appearing to show vehicles blocking part of the A690 between Durham and Sunderland, as concerns were first raised.

SEE MORE: Sunderland garage accused of 'blocking' part of A690 with cars

But speaking to The Northern Echo, residents said little had changed as they claimed traffic wardens were not enforcing restrictions.

The leader of Sunderland City Council has since said it is "aware of the issues" raised, while the garage has been contacted for comment.

Mark Stephen, who had previously said cars and buses were being forced to make last minute manoeuvres to avoid collisions, said vehicles continued to be parked on the cycle lane and double-yellow lines.

He said: "After the first article things quietened down for two or three days, but it has slowly started to build back up to the same scenario we had before.

The Northern Echo: Pictures taken this month show parked cars on Durham Road Picture: CONTRIBUTORPictures taken this month show parked cars on Durham Road Picture: CONTRIBUTOR

"I've seen traffic wardens coming up to tell the garage to move the cars, but they don't issue any fines to those just dumped there.

"They stick their heads into the garage, ask them to move the cars, and then they walk into the distance and don't follow through.

"They are not doing their job and the council is being made a mockery of."

Mr Stephen, who said he believed the council and the garage had a "joint-responsibility" if an accident occured, accused the council of not taking action to prevent the issue.

He added: "It is as though the council are scared to take any form of action - what happens if there is a deadly accident."

The Northern Echo: A picture captured last month showing a company vehicle blocking part of the A690 A picture captured last month showing a company vehicle blocking part of the A690

In response to the concerns, Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said it was aware of the issues raised and said the council routinely checks for illegal parking in the area.

He said: "We are aware of the issues raised and the council regularly check for parking contraventions in this area of Durham Road and follow the enforcement procedure when appropriate.

"We would like to take this opportunity to remind businesses, drivers and highways users that they have responsibility under the Highway Code to park correctly, considerately and legally," he added.

  • The Northern Echo approached the owners of O'Connors Garage but did not receive a response at time of publication.