NEW parking restrictions have come into force in a village that has struggled with congestion.

The no waiting at any time restrictions in Hutton Village Road, near Guisborough, formed part of a new car parking strategy agreed by Redcar and Cleveland Council in March.

Hutton Village Road has been used for many years by some visitors to access Guisborough Forest and Walkway, whether to walk, run or cycle – and also avoid parking charges there.

But the practice has led to complaints from residents over congestion with some delivery vehicles struggling to access the village and concerns over safety, especially given the narrowness of the road.

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Redcar and Cleveland Council intends the changes will improve traffic flows and has also said they will be enforceable.

It said the restrictions, brought about by a new amended traffic regulation order, involved “limited lengths of yellow lines at three side junctions to reduce blockage of the road and ease turning movements”.

Problems with visitor parking were exacerbated during coronavirus lockdown periods with many people heading to Guisborough Forest for exercise.

In February Cleveland Police said the sheer number of visitors parking in Hutton Village Road were having a “negative impact” on residents.

The council action has already prompted a debate on social media.

Posting on Facebook, Rachel Dawson said: “Before lockdown there was barely a soul who parked there, now every man and his dog parks there for their countryside walk.”

Emma Elgey said: “This will really have an effect on my job [as] I’m a dog walker that picks up dogs and transports them to the forest for walks and I can’t walk them from their homes to the forest.”

Others questioned to what extent the restrictions will be enforced by council wardens.

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