NEW double yellow lines and parking restrictions could be enforced across Bicester after concerns over dangerous and inappropriate parking.

Oxfordshire County Council has proposed new parking restrictions and prohibitions for 13 roads in the town.

It says the plans are being put forward in order to help prevent parked vehicles from obstructing visibility at junctions and restricting the passage of traffic.

Also read: Mallards Way gets yellow lines in bid to finally tackle bad parking

It also says it will ensure safety at junctions and for more vulnerable road users.

In its statement of reasons, it says: “The county council continues its responsibility to consider the provision of convenient and safe movement of motor vehicles and other traffic, and the proposed measures are aimed at ensuring that danger is minimised whilst facilitating the effective and safe passage of traffic and the provision of appropriate on-street parking facilities.”

The roads that could have double yellow lines are Barry Avenue, Blake Road, Kingsley Road, Browning Drive, Hemingway Drive, Lambourne Crescent, Longfields, Shakespeare Drive and Withington Road.

One of those, Shakespeare Drive, has been of most concern to parents of children who go to Kings Meadow School which is off the road.

Oxford Mail:

The entrance to Kings Meadow School off Shakespeare Drive. Picture: Google Maps

They say there is also a problem with drivers speeding on the road, making it unsafe for children to cross, and that inappropriate parking makes the situation worse.

Nicola Young said on the Bicester General Chat Facebook page: "It’s certainly not helped either by the inconsiderate and downright dangerous parking around the school.

"Parking opposite the zig zag lines is not only reducing visibility, but causing an obstruction in the flow of traffic. I fear it's only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured outside the school due to all of this."

Also read: Cherwell District Council reiterates parking ticket policy following ombudsman report

Bea Foster commented: “All the cars parked along Shakespeare Drive at the Wear Road end and cars parking in the lay-by at the shops rather than using the car park are also a hazard now that it is getting busier.”

But with the council's plan to put double yellow lines on the road, this could change.

The double yellow lines would be on both sides of the road from its roundabout junction with Middleton Stoney Road northwards for 110 metres; and at its junction with Wear Road.

Oxford Mail:

The Shakespeare Drive exit off the Middleton Stoney Road roundabout. Picture: Google Maps

The sections of time-limited parking proposed are to deter ‘commuter parking’ in some residential streets.

The areas that would have a restriction of no waiting from 11am to 12pm Monday to Friday include Maple Road, Longfields, Green Close, Lambourne Crescent, Fallowfields and Windmill Avenue.

These roads could also have a restriction of no waiting from 12pm to 1pm Monday to Friday.

Oxfordshire County Council's consultation allowing the public to comment or object to the proposal closes at midnight tomorrow (Friday).

It is to be considered at a Cabinet Member meeting, potentially in March, and plans to be implemented in the spring.

To view the consultation, go to consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk