NEW restrictions could be brought in to try and stop “obstructive parking” in a busy road.

Durham County Council is considering proposals to introduce permit parking in Gilesgate and St Giles Close in Durham.

The authority says it was asked to make the changes to address issues with long stay commuter parking, obstructive parking and to improve the availability of spaces for residents.

Durham Police is backing the proposal, alongside county councillors David Freeman and Richard Ormerod.

During an informal consultation carried out last year, 26 residents were in favour of the scheme, with six people who were against making changes, because of concerns it would cause more problems than it would solve and will not tackle the issue of long term student parking.

During a formal consultation, which ended last month, one person objected to the scheme.

A report, to be considered by a council highways committee on Friday, says: “The proposed restrictions are intended to improve the parking availability for residents of Gilesgate and St Giles Close. The area is at present unrestricted meaning vehicles can be parked at this location without time limit.

“Some vehicles are believed to be staff commuting to work or students who leave their vehicles in this location for the full duration of the day.

“Within the proposals there are times that only residents with permits will be able to park their vehicles, reducing the amount of all day parking in this location.”

If approved, residents will be allowed to have up to three permits per household.