A COUNCILLOR has urged residents in Farnworth to have their say on a traffic regulation order which would restrict parking in the area.

Some residents have already said the excessive parked vehicles are reportedly from owners of minibuses in the area, customers or staff visiting the nearby Royal Bolton Hospital, or drivers picking up or dropping off pupils at a local school.

At the same time there is a continued growth in vehicle ownership, with increasing pressure on the amount of on-street parking available.

Ward councillor Sue Haworth said:”Many residents want to see less excess parking that restricts safe driving in the area.

“It is incredibly difficult for residents to get a police response who have powers to take appropriate action when a vehicle is parked, causing an obstruction.

“Ward councillors sympathise with residents who live in this area.

“The streets are an ongoing problem and ward councillors will keep fighting for residents to get something done about it.

“Responsibility also lies with drivers to not park where they would cause a danger or impair visibility.

“Drivers should heed the rules laid down in the Highway Code but this is just not happening in many parts of the Borough.”

The order would mean there would be no waiting at any time on Minerva Road (south), Brian Road (both directions), Waters Edge (north-west and south-east).

Cllr Haworth added: “Drivers say they are unable to properly wait at the lights and pull out onto Bradford Road and spot oncoming traffic due to parked cars blocking the view, with a similar situation occurring at the approach to enter Waters Edge due to parked vehicles blocking driver sight at the bend.

“A traffic regulation order is a bit of a lengthy process, which is subject to public consultation and will likely attract both support and objections.”

This applies to residents in Harper Green ward at the Minerva Road and Waters Edge area, who have until January 12 to comment on the order via e-mail at highways@bolton.gov.uk or in writing to Highways and Engineering Division, 3rd Floor, Paderborn House, Civic Centre, Bolton BL1 1UA.