Cracking down on Parking

A NEW traffic enforcement programme is helping to tackle persistent problem parkers outside two Ponteland schools.

A determined effort has been made to clamp down on inconsiderate parking in the area around Ponteland First School and Richard Coates Middle School over the last four years, including on-street restrictions, a pedestrian crossing and more recently the extension of double yellow lines.

Some parents were still stopping illegally along Thornhill Road, with most of this number thought to be coming from the Newcastle suburbs, but many have been hit with parking tickets since Northumberland County Council took on the responsibility for on-street enforcement.

Local county councillor Richard Dodd, who led the campaign for more road safety features, told Ponteland town councillors at a recent meeting: “The yellow lines are working better now because the wardens are patrolling the area and giving out tickets.

“I’m currently in negotiations with Isos about putting in parking spaces for the residents in the bungalows.”

Meanwhile, Brewery Lane, off Main Street, has been identified as area that needs addressing as councillors and residents have regularly seen cars obstructing the pavement.

Coun Dodd said there is an issue of who owns the land which needs to be resolved.

He added: “If we can sort it out and get the area adopted by the county council, hopefully we can put down plated double yellow lines. Waitrose is keen to pay its share.”

Source: Morpeth Herald