KIRKLEES Council will downgrade priority roads if bad parking continually means gritters can’t get through.
The get-tough message follows a spate of problems in recent bad weather, causing delays to the gritting operation.
And if the problems on such residential roads – including bus routes – continue and people living on them fail to take action then the gritters won’t bother trying until priority roads are cleared.
Some parking on Huddersfield streets has meant that gritting vehicles have been unable to get down roads they need to treat.
In some cases they have been forced to reverse long distances during the early hours of the morning and in the evenings.
Clr Cathy Scott, Cabinet member for Streetscene, said: “Those driving gritting vehicles are providing a valuable service which makes the roads safe for all road users and this can be a frustrating and difficult task when parked vehicles cause obstructions.
“Drivers have to find another way around the blockage in order to get back onto the priority routes and this causes delays in roads being gritted throughout the area. The problems are much worse when snow ploughs have to be fitted because of heavy snowfall.”
Leaflets will now be placed on the offending vehicles by gritting staff and temporary signs put up in the street concerned asking politely for drivers to help solve the problem by parking more considerately.
If the problems continue then all properties on the street will receive a letter asking for help in resolving the issue.
If, following all these measures, the obstruction continues the last resort would see the street being withdrawn from the priority network after consultation with ward councillors.
