PLANS to introduce traffic waiting restrictions outside a medical centre are set to be shelved after hundreds of residents complained.

Hartlepool Borough Council was investigating the possibility of introducing waiting restrictions, between 8am and 6pm, for people parking outside the Throston medical centre, in Wiltshire Way, Hartlepool.

It had been suggested that the restrictions would be needed when the former Safeway site was redeveloped attracting increased traffic to the area.

But more than 400 people signed a petition objecting to the proposed waiting times. MP Peter Mandelson wrote to the council to express concern over the scheme.

A spokesman for the medical centre said: "Unless some additional off-street parking is likely to be provided in the close proximity to these premises, then I feel that some hardship could be caused to certain groups of people visiting the building, such as the disabled and elderly."

The owners of T Temple chemists have also expressed concern that the waiting restrictions would affect their business and could lead to its closure.

Councillors meeting today are expected to agree to put the proposal for waiting restrictions on hold until the Safeway site is developed and any impact on traffic in the area can be reviewed.