MOTORISTS have been spared fines in a new restricted zone - thanks to the miserable weather.

The streets around Stanhope Road, near the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, have recently become residents-only parking.

Signs have been put up, and wardens were due to start patrolling the streets on Monday.

But the recent rainy weather has prevented workers painting new markings on the road - meaning the new restrictions cannot be enforced.

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council said: "The new bays were supposed to be painted last week, ahead of the new restrictions starting on Monday, November 27.

"However, because of the rain the work could not be done. All new bays are in the process of being marked, and everything should be completed by the middle of next week.

"The new restrictions will start being enforced then."

The residents-only parking was produced after consultation with local residents.

Earlier this month, The Northern Echo revealed Darlington Borough Council received almost £250,000 in parking fines in the past financial year.