Advice over parking on Darlington pavements and verges

In recent months, The Northern Echo has reported about West Auckland Road, Milbank Road and Danesmoor Crescent becoming problems for residents - with reports of churned-up grass verges, problem pavements and tricky parking. 

In each of those cases, people had been left at the end of their tether from it - with some residents complaining that they live on the 'worst Darlington street' for verges and streets in general.

It has also led to numerous complaints to the council about the state that the roads have been left in. 

Some of the problem streets in Darlington (Image: SEND IN)

On every occasion, the council has rebuffed the complaints and said that they were investigating the incidents. 

However, this issue must have now become such an issue that Darlington Borough Council has now issued a statement online in relation to grass verges and pavement parking. 

In the post, which was circulated on social media, the council has set out rules for parking in the town and how it could become more courteous for residents and drivers.

The post reads: "Parking on grass verges and pavements can have a big impact on those with sight and mobility difficulties. It can also cause a hazard for other motorists if cars are parked on a bend or corner.

Residents have complained about churned up verges (Image: SEND IN)

"Grass verges and pavements are not designed to take the weight of cars and they are often damaged by vehicles being parked on them. This damage can be costly to repair.

"Motorists have no legal right to park on the pavement or a grass verge. If there are waiting restrictions (yellow lines) on a road you can’t avoid them by parking on the pavement or a grass verge and you may be fined even if your vehicle is not on the lines."

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The post adds: "If there are no yellow lines it is not illegal to park on a grass verge or pavement but you may be prosecuted if your vehicle persistently damages the area.

"Please park responsibly and consider everyone who needs to use the road and pavement.

"You can report dangerously parked cars that are causing an obstruction by calling 01325 406999 or email customerservices@darlington.gov.uk."

Have you been impacted by problem parking or impacted by verges on your street - get in touch in the comments section.