Why the double yellow lines?

That is the question being asked by Aylesford residents following the publication of an extensive schedule of proposed new parking regulations.

Ted Bates, of The Oaks, Aylesford, said: “I’ve lived for 35 years in this quiet residential area, with no parking problems of any substance.

“Now the council wishes to plaster the road with double yellow lines, so that we and our neighbours can no longer have a visitor park outside, even on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Why?”

The double yellows for The Oaks are just one of 60 measures put out for public consultation by Kent County Council - 41 of the measures involve the creation of double-yellow lines.

The proposals affect roads in Aylesford, Burham, East Malling, Larkfield, Leybourne, Snodland and Tonbridge, and include the creation of parking bays, some single yellow lines and changes to existing restrictions.

Mr Bates said: “Double yellow lines prohibit parking 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This actually conflicts with Government proposals to reduce obtrusive yellow lines.”

Last October, the Transport Minister Norman Baker advised local authorities to cut back on “unsightly yellow lines” by making more use of restricted parking zones, instead of automatically opting to use yellow lines to control parking.

Restricted parking zones require a limited number of signs which tell motorists if they can or cannot park and during which times, and are considered less intrusive than conventional yellow lines.

Mr Baker said: “No one wants to see unnecessary yellow lines blotting our towns and villages when there is an alternative. They are a clear eyesore that can be intrusive and can have a huge impact on the look and feel of our streets.”

Mr Bates ‘ son Brian believed that he knew why the Minister’s request was being ignored.

He said: “I think it is to do with cost of implementation.

“Single yellow lines require the placement of vertical signage, ie a pole with a sign detailing the time of operation of the controlled zone.

“But since 2002, the DoT no longer requires that double yellow lines have an accompanying “at any time” sign unless loading and unloading is also prohibited. “

Mr Bates said the change was introduced to enable local authorities to reduce street clutter and remove the existing poles.

But he said: “It would appear that the law of unintended consequences is at play here, since it now means that double yellow lines can be implemented with far less effort than their single yellow counterparts.”

However, two of the proposed changes, in Kent Road and in Lee Road in Snodland, are actually to reduce existing double yellows to enable more on-street parking.

The proposed changes can be viewed on the Tonbridge and Malling council website: www.tmbc.gov.uk/parkingstudies or details can be obtained by calling 01732 844522.

The public has until March 30 to respond to the consultation.