New parking restrictions will be introduced next to a new town centre bus station, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Plans to introduce ‘No Waiting and Loading’ on Clayton Street in Bishop Auckland have been approved to improve access to the new transport hub and prevent double parking.
New ‘loading only’ restrictions will also be introduced on nearby Finkle Street to maintain access and traffic flow in the area.
The area surrounding Clayton Street is being redeveloped for the new Bishop Auckland Bus Station and 124-space car park.
It is hoped the new hub will support businesses by attracting visitors to Bishop Auckland, address shortages in car parking, and increase the number of people using the town. The former Saddler Street bus station closed in September 2023, with local services diverted to Tenters Street and Newgate Street.
Clayton Street, located north of the development site, is used to access a mix of residential properties and businesses, as well as the bus station site. One completed, Durham County Council said the existing traffic restrictions on Clayton Street can no longer be accommodated without obstructing traffic flow and preventing safe access.
The current ‘no stopping except taxi’ and ‘loading only’ restrictions will be relocated to a purpose-built layby on the south side of Clayton Street. New ‘no waiting and no loading/unloading’ restrictions will then be introduced for the remaining extent.
Meanwhile, the existing restricted bays on Finkle Street will be amended to accommodate the relocation of a ‘loading only’ bay for the use of local businesses. Although the new measures will reduce the number of short-stay on-street parking bays, the council said provision will be provided by the new 124-space car park at the bus station.
Local county councillor Tom Redmond questioned whether the new restrictions and relocation of parking bays would make access to local services harder for residents, businesses and visitors.
Durham County Council said: “We have attempted to find a solution that relocates existing parking facilities in the area rather than seeing them removed/lost. A large proportion of the existing restrictions will therefore be maintained on Clayton Street and relocated to a purpose-built layby on the southern side of the carriageway.
“With the exception of one short-stay parking bay, these proposals will maintain the current level of disabled access and loading facilities in this area, albeit in different positions.”
The bus station project is part of an £11.8 million investment in the town, with funding secured through the Future High Streets Fund by Durham County Council.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
