Parked cars block West Berkshire Council contractors painting double yellow lines on Northfield Road in Thatcham

Council contractors haven’t been able to paint double yellow lines on a road due to parked cars blocking the way.

West Berkshire Council (WBC) planned to paint double yellows on Northfield Road in Thatcham at the beginning of the month.

But, ironically, the lines still haven’t been painted due to parked cars not moving.

WBC said: “Our lining contractor has made repeat attempts to complete this work and will continue to do so.”

The issue was raised in a Thatcham Town Council meeting in February.

Councillor Justin Pemberton (Lib Dem, Thatcham West) reported hearing of inconsiderate parking on this road in a council surgery.

He said vehicles had reportedly been parking too close to traffic lights on Northfield Road.

It was noted that this is a recurring complaint from residents.

The issue was raised with West Berkshire Council (WBC), which said it – along with Thames Valley Police (TVP) – would investigate what could be done to remove these vehicles.

WBC told the town council, if all fails, it will look at other measures which may include temporary parking restrictions.

The district council has since planned to paint 40 metres of double yellow lines on the southbound carriageway, on its approach to the traffic lights for the A4.

WBC said it will prevent vehicles from parking too close to the junction and allow those queuing to join the A4, to do so on the correct side of the road.

The restrictions are to initially be introduced and enforced under a temporary order, lasting around 18 months.

It will then go through channels like a public consultation which will determine whether or not it becomes permanent.

The original 21 day notice expired at the weekend (March 24).

A further notice has been made which came into force yesterday (March 25) and will last seven days.

As of Monday, April 1, a planned temporary order will come into force to last the full 18 months.