MEASURES will be introduce to stop drivers blocking access by parking in bus bays and on pavements.

Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss, Cllr Phil Riley, has approved a traffic regulation order introducing no-waiting restrictions on Blakewater Road and Challenge Way in Blackburn.

It follows complaints from staff who work at nearby businesses.

Earlier this month, Jessica Taylor and Ray Massey of Glenfield Park Business Centre had urged the council to bring in the traffic measures after dozens of cars had been parking on Blakewater Road.

The workers said pavements were being blocked and traffic was struggling to pull out of the business parks.

Ms Taylor said the problem has been on-going for about a year.

The industrial area is home to several business parks and has links to the Whitebirk roundabout near junction six of the M65.

Parking on the pavement is not illegal however a fine can be given in some instances.

Martin Eden, director of environment and operations at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said proposals were in the pipeline to address the matter.

And now Cllr Riley has approved the introduction of the traffic order in a bid to ease the situation.

Cllr Riley said: “A complaint has been received from some staff who work within the industrial estates off Blakewater Road about the obstruction of access and visibility by parked vehicles belonging to other employees from nearby businesses.

“It is also reported that bus bays and pavements are being obstructed.

“Following an inspection of the area and observation of parking habits, it is proposed to introduce no waiting at any time on some sections of Blakewater Road and Challenge Way, to prevent parked vehicles from restricting access and to improve the movement of two-way traffic.”

The cost of making and advertising the traffic order, usually paid for by the council, is being funded by a landowner from nearby Davies Road at a price of £2,000.

The public will be given the opportunity to comment.