Raft of new parking restrictions approved for Durham City - this is what you need to know if you're driving into the historic centre

Durham County Council’s Highways Committee has given the green light to a refresh of parking rules in the south west district.

The traffic regulation orders (TRO) follow consultation with residents, councillors and local business owners.

A total of four areas were outlined in the latest shake-up, with only one sparking an objection from a resident.

This included Chevallier Court where a ‘permit holders only’ restriction was proposed between Monday and Saturday, 8am-6pm.

The changes aim to address long stay commuter parking and improve parking availability for residents.

Despite support from the majority of residents in the area, the sole objector questioned the need for the restrictions and disputed paying for a parking permit.

Interim head of transport and contract services on the council, Dave Wafer, defended the plans at the Highways Committee on October 8, which was held via videolink and broadcast on YouTube.

“The neighbours don’t agree with this objection as we have had 19 letters of support and our own surveys suggest that actually we believe that there are good reasons to put those restrictions in,” he said.

The second proposal discussed at the meeting included a ‘permit holders only’ restriction at Durham Viaduct on a permanent basis between Monday and Saturday, 8am-6pm.

This follows a six-month experimental order in the area, which is owned by Network Rail and leased by the council, to address commuter parking and improve availability for permit holders.

Comments were initially received from City of Durham Parish Council and division councillor, Richard Ormerod, supporting the Crossgate Community Partnership in suggesting a shorter time restriction of 9am-5pm.

According to a report to councillors, this aimed to “strike a better balance between allowing residents to go about their daily commute conveniently and preventing all-day parking by non-residents.”

Traffic bosses said the 8am-6pm timings would be consistent with other areas across Durham City.

At the meeting Cllr Ormerod backed the proposals from highways bosses, adding that there doesn’t appear to be any “great appetite” from residents for reduced times.

Cllr Stuart Dunn also said: “I think if these restrictions are going to be enforced across the city centre it’s important that there’s consistency across different areas.

“Confusion leads to infringement and leads to enforcement unnecessarily.”

Following discussion, all TRO proposals were given the go-ahead by councillors.

This included double yellow lines along stretches of the A177, The Drive Mount Oswald and the access road to Howland’s park and ride.

The changes aim to prevent obstruction and overspill parking – particularly when the council’s new history centre opens.

Meanwhile, double yellow lines will be put in place at Faraday Court, Clay Lane, the A167 at Dalton Crescent, Westhouse Avenue and Palatine View (Summerville).

The restrictions would mainly serve as ‘junction protections’ and follow residents’ concerns over obstructive parking, access and visibility issues at these locations.

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