LONG-STANDING issues about parking in Mapplewell are set to be targeted when new waiting restrictions are implemented.

Proposals have been put forward to introduce a no waiting at any time restriction on Towngate.

A restriction of ‘no waiting Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm’ has been in force for several years and has mainly been successful at mitigating obstructive parking.

However, the increased popularity of nearby dining venues has led to evening parking outside the restricted times obstructing the junction and causing access issues.

In a bid to alleviate the issues, a ‘no waiting at any time’ restriction is set to be enforced.

A report states: “Congestion due to obstructive parking has been the cause of long-standing issues on Towngate, Mapplewell, particularly to the western side of the shopping area, in the vicinity of the junction with Wellgate.

“Often, vehicles are left overnight, meaning that they are parked in breach of existing restrictions the following morning if left beyond 8am.

“This creates access issues, and additional hazards at school start times.

“Following expressions of concern from residents, Barnsley Council’s traffic team carried out site visits and observations on Towngate.

“Vehicles were observed parked close to and on junction radii (the curves where the two roads meet).

“Some vehicles were parked partially on the footway, obstructing users.

“The issues were exacerbated at school start times, when vehicular movements through the junction are increased.

“These times also saw an increase in pedestrian movements, with the risk posed to those crossing the road exacerbated due to the reduced visibility caused by injudiciously parked vehicles.

“To address the situation, it is proposed to augment the existing ‘no waiting Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm’ by amending the restrictions around the junction radii to ‘no waiting at any time’.”