YELLOW lines will soon be painted onto a Cirencester bridge to put an end to the 'dangerous' parking on the road.

The development comes after calls by residents more than a year ago for an end to the ‘dangerous’ parking.

The yellow lines, which required a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to be developed by Gloucestershire Highways, are expected to be put in place by autumn. 

Since 2015, residents have been calling for something to be done to the bridge by Sheep Street and Somerford Road, saying that the parked cars blocked the view of pedestrians when they crossed the road and made it difficult for other cars to drive through.

In October 2015, Cirencester town councillors Roly Hughes and Jenny Hincks said that several pedestrians were nearly hit by cars.

Cars continued to park on the bridge after police signs were put up and after fake signs bearing the Gloucestershire County Council logo appeared early last year.

The option of installing yellow lines was under consideration by Gloucestershire Highways since September last year, but the process was delayed due to objections by neighbours to have yellow lines drawn outside their homes.

It is understood that Gloucestershire Highways have addressed these concerns by drawing up revised plans for the TRO, which also covers nearby roads.

Cllr Joe Harris said: “Yellow lines are due to be put down soon, I understand that the delay has been because local residents objected to original schemes, and we had the county elections as well.

“Plans had to be redrawn to accommodate local residents concerns Hopefully in the next few weeks, if not months.

“There was an issue as some people would have yellow lines outside their houses and residents were not happy because they would not be able to outside.

“I’m desperate for the lines to be put down. To keep stalling and keep getting dragged out is frustrating but you’ve got to consider local people and you’ve got to make sure they have somewhere to park.”

Philip Williams, lead commissioner for community infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council confirmed: “The county council is proposing to make traffic changes in response to resident requests.

“Part of this work involves seeking opinions from the community and making sure all voices are heard: feedback has been mixed, so we have tried to strike balance between keeping parking available whilst also improving road safety.

“The recommended changes would see painting of yellow lines beginning in autumn 2017.”

Jenny Hincks, who had been spearheading the campaign to improve pedestrian safety on the bridge, said she was told the lines could be in place by June or July.  She said: "I can't wait for the lines to go down so the road is safer for people and cars.

"I get about five phone calls a week about the issue, and it's a dangerous junction to come out of.

"I know a lot of residents were concerned about the ability to park outside their home, which I understand, so Gloucestershire Highways had to allay those fears."