Illegal parking in Kirkburton is putting people at risk.
North Road resident, Kenneth Gatenby said that he and other pedestrians were being forced into the road due to people parking on yellow lines in order to use the shops.
And MP for the area Simon Reevell said he hoped that the recent sale of the old petrol station by Tesco to a private buyer would alleviate parking issues short-term but called for more to be done to tackle persistent driving issues in the village.
Mr Gatenby, 65, said that he had been in contact with several authorities over his parking concerns on the village’s main thoroughfare but that so far, nothing had been done to stop the problem.
He said numerous motorists turned a blind eye to the single yellow line which prohibits parking between 8am and 6pm from Monday to Saturday on the opposite side of the road to several businesses.
Mr Gatenby added: “I’ve had to go in the road several times and so have others – it’s really unsafe and I also don’t think the road is wide enough further down towards the junction.
“It has been like this for a long time and would really like those who are responsible for highways to come look at it and try find a solution before anyone gets hurt.”
Conservative MP Mr Reevell said that he hoped that those using the road would again be able to park in the old petrol station following talks between himself and its new private owner, despite earlier safety fears over the building.
He said: “Parking on the pavement is hazardous for lots of people and I have spoken to the new owner who has agreed for staff whose business is on the road to use it during working hours which I hope will help alleviate the problem in the short term.
“It was Tesco that declared it unsafe but I don’t think there are any longer any problems with using it as a car park again.
“Parking in the road is just one of several driving issues in the area.
“Riley Lane is also a pinch spot because it’s so tight that it’s easy for cars to block access and there are speeding problems throughout the village.
“The solution to all of these is not easily obvious but we will do what we can.”
Meanwhile, Green Kirkburton councillor Robert Barraclough said: “The issue hasn’t previously been raised with me but I would welcome Mr Gatenby to contact us so we can take it to the highways meeting and see if there are any options.”
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