RESTRICTIONS have been introduced to stop staff and visitors parking in the streets around Durham's new hospital.

Building work at the University Hospital of North Durham has led to on-street parking in the Framwellgate Moor and Aykley Heads areas of the city.

This has caused delays for the emergency services and road safety worries for residents living nearby.

The situation has been exacerbated by the introduction of charges at the hospital car park.

Members of Durham County Council's highways committee decided yesterday to introduce traffic orders to prevent motorists parking in streets around the hospital.

The council advertised a Traffic Regulation Order to introduce waiting and loading restrictions on the roads, but this was opposed by residents who believe it is too restrictive.

As a result, council officers voted for an experimental order lasting 18 months.

The situation will be reviewed once the hospital is fully operational to see whether permanent restrictions are needed