DOUBLE yellow lines will be painted on the main road into Yarmouth following repeated complaints about people parking there.

Around ten cars are parked on the stretch of road, just past the Thorley turn-off, every day, making it virtually impossible for two-way traffic to get past — which has led to accidents and confrontations between drivers.

The newly-formed Tennyson Road Accident Prevention Group (TRAP) has delivered letters to 600 West Wight residents and 50 businesses in an attempt to resolve the problem.

The letter states: "The situation is creating a very dangerous situation for motorists and pedestrians alike. As a result, a number of residents have come together to form a group to persuade the Isle of Wight Council to act before there is a fatality.

"Accidents have already occurred and there have been several serious near misses. Cars and vans frequently lose wing mirrors."

The Isle of Wight Council said it was aware of the issue and intended to paint double yellow lines on both sides of the road to stop people parking there.

A spokesperson said: "The council is aware of concerns with parking along the main road into Yarmouth and the issues raised by local residents and road users.

"Officers from the authority's highways contract management team have met with the local member, Cllr Stuart Hutchinson, and have agreed to apply for a Temporary Traffic Order (TTO) to introduce double yellow lines and to restrict parking."

Cllr Ian Ward, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: "The safety of road users is always of utmost importance to us."

Cllr Hutchinson told the County Press: "Normally these restrictions are brought in following major accidents and, so far, there have not been any.

"But we have taken into account this is an exception. It is an arterial road serving a major port. There is also a convoy effect with traffic coming into town from the Shalfleet traffic lights and vice versa when a ferry unloads.

"There will be double yellow lines on both sides of the road leading up to St Swithin's Crescent.

"Taking all costs into account, we are looking at spending £15,000 to £16,000, all because of selfish people who are parking there.

"We hope to start the work as soon as we can, but it is all in hand. I also welcome the support I have received from residents, particularly in the last week."

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