Despite new restrictions on parking being introduced by the council in July last year, some motorists continue to breach the rules on the A173 – the road passing beneath local landmark, Roseberry Topping.
Residents of picturesque village, Newton-under-Roseberry, have complained that some irresponsible motorists are persisting in parking in illegal and unsafe places where double yellow lines have been introduced – mainly on a weekend.
Increases in roadside parking shot up in the area since 2020, causing both safety and access concerns for residents and road users alike. Through-traffic was being brought regularly to a standstill by the lack of passing space caused by parked vehicles and pedestrians making their way along the main road itself.
Since restrictions were introduced last summer, 71 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for yellow line offences have been issued by the council. A further 8 were given out to motorists parked in the Residents Only zone without a permit.
After a significant amount of people parked illegally on New Year's Day, 58 PCNs were issued between then and the end of January alone.
Councillor Julie Craig, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
“We have received some compliments from the residents who are happy with the action being taken against people who continue to flout the rules; however, they are frustrated with those people who continue to ignore them.
“We want people to be able to enjoy our area and beauty spots such as Roseberry Topping, but there is a limit to how many people this very small and quiet village at Newton can accommodate. If there is nowhere legal to park when arriving, people must consider continuing on elsewhere and returning later or on another day, as disappointing as this may be.
“The village is someone's home; not just one which is popular with visitors, and people must respect that. It is not fair to invade spaces reserved for residents and the yellow lines are there for good reason. Newton, albeit very small, is cut in half by a road which can become very busy. Blocking it with vehicles and walking on the road amongst moving traffic is unsafe for both drivers and pedestrians.
“We will continue to enforce the restrictions at Newton-under-Roseberry and would ask that people respect the residents and the rules – they are there for good reason."