Embattled residents are making a sit-down protest with a difference by refusing to move their cars and so prevent fresh yellow lines being painted outside their homes.
Householders in Dirkhill Road, Great Horton , have been locked in a six-year feud with Council highways’ bosses over yellow lines which they say are not needed and prevent them from parking in fear of fines.
The waiting restrictions prevent on-street parking from 8am to 9.30am and 4pm to 6pm.
And car owners claim wardens slap tickets on windscreens the moment those time limits come into force.
When the Telegraph & Argus broke the news in June that the hated lines would be removed as part of a traffic review, residents’ spokesman Mohammed Khan said other locals were delighted.
“But nothing has happened since then and the problem seems to have been put on the backburner, which isn’t good enough,” said father-of five Mr Khan, 37. However, the road has recently been resurfaced and was left line-free for two months – until Sunday night.
“They came in the night while we were asleep and put down the new single and double yellow lines even though they are supposed to be getting rid of them soon,” said Mr Khan.
“But they couldn’t do the whole street – so the residents have arranged a system so there will always be a car parked on any unpainted spaces.
“There are three car-sized gaps where they have not been able to complete the double or single yellow lines.”
Mr Khan said they would rotate vehicles in the style of towels being left on poolside sunbeds.
“It’s a gentle but serious form of protest because we want this matter sorted out quickly and once and for all,” Mr Khan said.
But Andrew Smith, principal traffic and highways engineer for Bradford Council, said there would still have to be a delay in any removal of the offending lines.
“Essential resurfacing works have been carried out on Dirkhill Road, and the yellow and white lines must be restored to comply with legal requirements.
“However, Bradford West Area Committee has allocated funding to put a scheme forward to allow additional on-street parking on this stretch, by removing some of the yellow lines.
“This will take several months due to the length of the consultation process that must take place,” Mr Smith said.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel