NEW restrictions near the University of York could help resolve long-running parking problems in the area.

City of York Council will put double yellow lines along University Road in Heslington and will attempt to stop parking in Heslington Lane, towards Fulford.

Residents were concerned that parking in the area was causing a danger to traffic and pedestrians, and the matter has repeatedly been brought to the attention of the council.

Jeffrey Stern, of Heslington Parish Council, said the benefits of the new restrictions would be felt by visitors and residents.

He said: “I’m relieved that City of York Council is taking the action and so are local people generally, because it was so dangerous.

“People couldn’t use the pavements, cyclists couldn’t use the roads, and buses were having difficulty getting between the parked cars.

“The parish council has been involved with the call for restrictions for some time and it is a victory for common sense.”

Heslington councillor Ceredig Jamieson-Ball, who is standing down in May, recently urged the council and the university to give all streets on the eastern side of Badger Hill the chance to switch to a residents’ parking system.

He also proposed a parking review of every street in Heslington and Badger Hill to identify those worst-affected and to ask residents which restrictions they wanted.

Chris Wiggin, who will run for the Liberal Democrats in Heslington in May, said: “Many local residents have told me of their concerns about car parking in and around Heslington over recent months. That’s why I’ve made it one of my top priorities.”

David Levene, Labour candidate, said the council originally planned yellow lines only at the junctions, and said: “Since over 300 people signed my petition they have now extended the scheme.”

Last July, North Yorkshire Police admitted they had received a number of complaints on the parking situation, and the University of York urged its students to park responsibly.