ROAD chiefs have apologised for putting out a sign announcing much called for parking restrictions only to take it down the next day and delay the work.

Oxfordshire County Council said it had delayed painting double yellow lines in Marston to coincide with road repairs in the spring.

It put a sign on spaces announcing the work three weeks ago, but removed it the next day.

The Oxford Mail reported on Thursday that residents face an “absolute nightmare” to park outside their homes. They say commuters leave their cars then walk or cycle into the city or the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Council spokesman Gemma Watts said: “The lines were going to be marked out this month.

“However the work was temporarily suspended as additional funds have been released for some carriageway surfacing repairs in the Marston area, including Mortimer Drive and Rippington Drive.

“This work, along with the implementation of the parking restriction markings, is scheduled to be finished in the spring.”

She added: “We apologise for any confusion that may have arisen but believe that the combination of the road repairs and the new restrictions will result in an overall improvement for local residents and road users.”

The new double yellow lines will be at the junctions of Mortimer Road and Oxford Road, Rippington Drive and Oxford Road, and Beechey Avenue and Oxford Road.

Old Marston Parish Council chairman Charlie Haynes said: “When you put notices up one day and then take them down the next, it is only going to upset people.

“I can understand the confusion, but it just doesn’t bode well when we, as a parish council, tell everyone that something is going to happen and then it doesn’t.”

Mr Haynes added: “When I went to Mortimer Drive the other day, there were three cars parked in a small space and every one of them belonged to someone from the health authority.

“I think we are going to have to sit down and discuss how to tackle these problems now.

“They are only going to get worse.”

Cavendish Drive resident Wally Cox said it made sense to do all the work together, but added: “We will wait with baited breath. This isn’t the first time we have had a delay.”