THE GO-AHEAD for double yellow lines on a Steeton road has been welcomed by local councillor Andrew Mallinson.

Cllr Mallinson said he hoped the ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions along stretches of Thornhill Road would stop indiscriminate parking.

But he called for strict enforcement of the ban and monitoring of surrounding streets to ensure the yellow lines did not create new rat runs.

Keighley Area Committee, part of Bradford Council, last Thursday (August 18) approved the parking restrictions after months of negotiation between council highways officers and local residents.

The committee overruled a raft of concerns from two residents who feared the parking ban would allow drivers to more-easily drive fast along Thornhill Road and endanger pedestrians.

Council officers had responded that the restrictions would reduce congestion and actually improve safety for people living in the neighbourhood.

They insist there is a pressing need for the measure because a new estate of 220 houses is being built on fields off Thornhill Road.

Thornhill Road has for many years been used for parking by staff and visitors from nearby Airedale Hospital.

Cllr Mallinson successfully campaigned for yellow lines at the bottom end of Thornhill Road, and these were imposed in 2013.

The latest restrictions, on the top stretch nearer Keighley Road, are being funded by the developer building the new housing estate.

Cllr Mallinson, who represents Craven ward on Bradford Council, said he welcomed the fact that progress is finally being made with the scheme.

He said: "I’ve asked highways officers to continue to monitor the Thornhill Road area to see if any rat runs are created and whether indiscriminate parking continues to take place.

“Highways officers, wardens and police all need to monitor the situation, and there must be enforcement of the regulations.”

Cllr Mallinson suggested that if any money remained from the developers’ donation once the Thornhill Road measures are carried out, then it could be used for any traffic measures needed in neighbouring streets.

In a report to the area committee, Bradford Council highways officers gave a comprehensive response to the concerns raised by residents.

They said the restrictions would allow two separate lanes of traffic driving out of Thornhill Road into Skipton Road, one left and one right, resulting in less congestion.

They also said new short sections of parking restrictions at the corners of Parkway, Thornhill Grove and Halsteads Way would improve sightlines for drivers exiting into Thornhill Road.