Preston Council have painted the lines along Pittman Way in Fulwood to tackle the problems caused by cars parking on the busy road.

Many of the cars belong to workers on the rapidly expanding North Preston Employment Area.

But residents say the measures have forced the cars to park in nearby residential areas – including Williams Lane, Ladybank Avenue and Oakengate – causing an obstruction to pavements and driveways and a safety hazard for children.

Over the past few years the area has become clogged with cars as more firms move on to the business park. In recent years, new additions include Homeserve and the DVLA.

The revamped Asda has also led to traffic difficulties and a new office complex was opened today by IT firm Electronic Data Systems, bringing a further 550 workers to the area.

Many of the companies provide parking for workers but there is still significant overflow.

The Longsands Community Association had campaigned vigorously for the yellow lines on the grounds that, sooner or later, there would be a fatality.

Michael Welsh, councillor for Preston North East, said: "The lines were put in place to solve the original traffic concern of cars parking along Pittman Way.

"By solving one problem, we have created another, so need we need to solve problem two.

"Possible solutions would be to extend the yellow lines or to create a parking zone for residents only. This second solution could cause further concerns for residents, so nothing will be perfect. Plans for a park-and-ride scheme at the top of Bluebell Road could be in place by the end of next year. There is light at the end of the tunnel."

Geoff Davies, 55, of Oakengate, said: "We knew the council was putting yellow lines down because they eventually sent us letters. We objected and now we're going to have to do a petition."

Residents said Government policy on reducing office parking to encourage car sharing and using public transport does not work and has turned their once-desirable estate into a car park.

One said: "It is not only a speed issue, but it is also a hazard.

- originally published 21/09/06