PARKING problems caused by a new hospital are leading to delays for the emergency services and road safety worries for residents in nearby streets.

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.

The situation has been exacerbated by the introduction of charges at the new hospital car park, causing some staff and visitors to park on the street.

Members of Durham County Council's Highways Committee will decide today whether to introduce traffic orders to prevent motorists parking in the residential streets surrounding the hospital.

A report to the committee says: "Indiscriminate on-street parking by employees and visitors to the University of North Durham Hospital has resulted in congestion which increases emergency service response time.

"Emergency services and residents are concerned about road safety and, in particular, residents have experienced obstructed visibility caused by parked vehicles."

Inspector Gordon Balderstone, of Durham Constabulary's traffic management department, said: "The parking issues surrounding the new hospital have had a sizeable impact on all the roads used by the emergency services.

"Therefore we would support any parking measures put in place to alleviate the congestion which has been occurring.

"We have put in place no waiting cones as a temporary measure, but it is recognised something more permanent is needed."

The congestion is also causing delays for bus operator Arriva, which has four services passing through the area.

A company spokesman said: "We are finding that buses in the Aykley Heads and Fram-wellgate Moor areas are suffering delays as a result of parking on both sides of the road.

"These are minor delays, but they are absolutely crucial because of the knock-on effect they have further down the road."

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

As reported in The Northern Echo last month, John Abrey, a member of Durham Moor Tennis Club, claims parking restrictions would have a huge impact on members and could even force it to close.

He has applied for an injunction against the council and the next hearing is on August 15.

As a result of these objections, council officers have recommended the introduction of an experimental order lasting up to 18 months.

The situation will be reviewed once the hospital is fully open to see if permanent restrictions are needed.