A SCHEME aimed at easing parking headaches near the University of York is to be tested over the next 18 months.

City of York Council will stage a trial of restrictions on several roads in the Badger Hill area of the city which are among those worst-affected by student parking as the university's Heslington East expansion takes shape.

Coun Dave Merrett, the authority’s cabinet member for city strategy, yesterday confirmed 24-hour waiting restrictions will be put in place at the junction of Deramore Drive and Yarborough Way, while a road closure at the Badger Wood Walk end of the Field Lane service road will be used to create a cul-de-sac.

Officers will also introduce a residents’ parking zone covering Field Lane service road, Badger Wood Walk and Low Mill Close, as well as restrictions on Deramore Drive.

Transport officials had originally recommended operating these between 10am and 2pm on weekdays, but Coun Merrett chose to extend this so it will cover the period from 8am to 6pm.

Meanwhile, Field Lane will become a “permanent clearway”, with no-stopping signs installed, between the Hull Road roundabout and Heslington village.

The trial is being carried out after people living in Badger Hill raised concerns about students parking outside their homes.

Coun Merrett said: “This will take us forward in trying to give some relief to residents in terms of parking, and we will see what these measures show us in due course.

“We recognise there are issues surrounding the university campus, of which parking is just one, and we need to address these."

Harry Telfer, of the Badger Hill Residents Community Group, told yesterday’s city strategy decision session he felt the scheme was “an inappropriate pick-and-mix approach” and measures covering the whole of the area, rather than certain roads, should be looked at.