MEMBERS of the Friars Cliff resident's association have assured people in the area that the new parking regulations proposed by the council are not as ‘severe’ as they seem.

The new plans by BCP Council would see double yellow lines placed around the Friars Cliff area, an idea that has been welcomed by residents who have frequently expressed concerns about cars parking on their roads.

Paul De Jonghe, chairman of the Friars Cliff parking and road safety work group, has explained that the new rules will not mean a ‘blanket parking ban’ for the area, and the proposal will focus on ‘pinch points’ that are causing the most issues.

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He said: “There’s been a panic reaction by people who are not looking at the proposal in detail.

“The majority of single yellow lines in the area will remain.

“The changes are that new double yellow lines will be put-in around junctions and side-roads between Bure Lane and the beach front.

“They’ll also be put at key pinch-points at the beach-end of Seaway Avenue and along some of Avon Run Road.

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“These pinch points are the points that cause congestion, traffic difficulties and poor access for emergency vehicles.”

Roads that keep their singular yellow lines will continue to allow cars to park during set months.

Paul added: “It’s not as severe as the consultation drawings may suggest.

“BCP can never satisfy all the problems and all the issues that people may feel about a place. It’s impossible.

“But what we’re doing will provide a dramatic road safety improvement.”