DISABLED drivers could be prevented from parking on a town centre street in a bid to end congestion which has seen traffic come to a standstill.

New parking restrictions being suggested for Bank Street, Rawtenstall, would also prevent loading and unloading on the shopping centre side of the street.

Companies delivering goods including fridges, freezers and washing machines to the shopping centre would be forced to park on the opposite side of Bank Street and have to wheel goods across the main road. Rossendale Borough engineer Philip Cunliffe told councillors the new proposed parking restrictions were not ideal but the only solution to traffic congestion at the bottom of the street.

Shopkeepers, disabled groups and others will be consulted before the new rules are introduced on the stretch of street between Kay Street and St Mary's Way.

The current double yellow lines allow disabled drivers to park for three hours on both sides of the street, causing problems for bus drivers, pedestrians and other road users.

However, the new restrictions would allow loading and unloading on the National Westminster Bank side of the road, but ban all loading, unloading and stopping on the opposite side other than for use by buses.

Mr Cunliffe told the engineering and planning committee: "I expect objections but this is the only way to prevent parking and to give the buses a clear run."

At the same time parking restrictions will be eased further up the street. The current 30-minute waiting order on Bank Street will be replaced by a 60-minute wait during the normal working day. Parking will be unlimited at other times.

Cars will also be allowed to park for an hour on nearby Kay Street where waiting is currently restricted to 20 minutes.

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