A SOLUTION to the ‘dangerous’ parking on the bridge over Bristol Road bypass in Cirencester is being looked into, Gloucestershire County Council highways said amid fears that nothing was being done.

For nearly a year, residents have been concerned by cars parked on the bridge, saying that the cars blocked the view of pedestrians when they crossed the road and made it difficult for other cars to drive through.

Gloucestershire Highways are now consulting on options for waiting restrictions on the bridge by Sheep Street and Somerford Road, and in the Chesterton Park area.

They are currently in the statutory consultation stage, which involves police, emergency services, councillors and town councils. This stage will end on October 11.

Highways will then consider any changes before taking the matter to public consultation.

Richard Gray, local area highways manager, said: "We've been working to find a solution to the ongoing problems on Somerford Road, including obstructions caused at the junction.

"Each local member has £30,000 to put towards highways improvements in their area and Cllr Joe Harris has agreed to use some of his money for this.

"We are looking at options, and will be asking the local community for their views in the next few months."

Cirencester councillors Joe Harris and Jenny Hincks have said that the option of installing yellow lines is being considered.

Cllr Hincks, who campaigned to get car parking restrictions on the bridge, said: “I think we ought to have yellow lines as quick as possible. So many people ring me up.”

In March, the Standard reported that white lines, or ‘H bar’ markings, to prevent drivers from parking on the bridge, were being considered after talks between Cllr Hincks and highways manager Mr Gray.

It was thought that white lines were a cheaper option as there was previously no money to fund double yellow lines.