CAMPAIGNERS are concerned that police signs are not deterring drivers from parking on the bridge over the Bristol Road bypass.

Police last week responded to months of anger over parking on Somerford Road by putting up signs threatening action if anyone was parked “dangerously” within 10 metres of the junction.

But despite the warnings people have continued to park on the bridge, prompting an angry response from residents who say the junctions to Cotswold Avenue and Trinity Road are dangerous and the road has become so narrow it is hard to navigate.

However, parking on the bridge is not illegal and Highways have confirmed the extra weight of the cars is no danger.

Parking close to the junction is not an offence under law but drivers can be prosecuted for “parking dangerously”; for example when obscuring a view from a junction.

Anyone parking within 10 metres of the junction will receive a letter from police and could receive a fine of up to £100 or three penalty points, though officers admitted policing the junction was “not a priority” with larger crimes to deal with.

The news comes as a woman had a scrape with a car as she pulled onto Somerford Road from Cotswold Avenue.

Lynda Preston, 66, and of Burge Court, was queueing at the junction when a visitor to the town began backing up to avoid a collision on the narrow road.

Despite sounding her horn, the car continued to reverse until it hit her car.

“Something needs to be done about the road, it can be absolutely horrendous, especially in the mornings,” she said.

“Luckily there was no damage, but that’s not the point, what if I’d had my grandchild in the car?”

When the signs first went up Cllr Jenny Hincks hailed it as a "real victory" for campaigners, but since then the cars have creeped back into their old parking spots.

In January, signs bearing the Gloucestershire County Council logo appeared on the bridge, apparently warning drivers their cars were liable to be towed if they parked there.

In an odd twist, Scott Tompkins, lead commissioner for highways at Gloucestershire County Council, said the signs had not come from his team.

“We haven’t placed these signs on the bridge in Sheep Street, and we’re arranged for them to be removed today,” he said.

“Drivers are reminded to park responsibly, making sure they aren’t causing any potential difficulties for other drivers, pedestrians or other road users.”