Residents lobbying the council to make safety improvements to a 'dangerous' road have been told that nothing can be done unless there is a serious or fatal accident.

People living in Bury Fold Lane in Darwen say they have been trying for years to get the council to make minor improvements to the junction with the A666 Bolton Road.

They say that vehicles parked on the main road, including a van covered in advertising hoardings, completely block the view of any driver exiting the lane.

And with more than 80 houses on the road, residents estimate there's between 300 and 400 traffic movements per day at the junction.

Resident Nick Serpell says it's only a matter of time before a serious accident happens.

He said: "Parked vehicles on both sides of the junction completely block the view of any driver trying to get into the main road.

"You just have to try and edge your way out into fast moving traffic and hope that nothing coming down the road collides with you.

"The vans are a major hazard and it beggars belief that they have been allowed to remain permanently parked here."

Mr Serpell says that a refuge, painted on the road to allow traffic to turn into Bury Fold Lane from the Blackburn direction is useless as parked cars make it impossible for vehicles to use it without blocking the road.

He said: "All we're asking for is the council to extend the double yellow lines far enough on either side of the junction to allow drivers a view of the main road."

However, the highways department at the council says its policy is not to make any improvements until there is an accident.

In a response to residents’ complaints, a council spokesperson said: "Priority is being given to locations where there are incidents recorded that have led to a serious or fatal outcome.

"We appreciate this isn’t the ideal approach to road safety interventions."

Another resident, Ian Embley, expressed his indignation at the council response.

Mr Embley said: "It seems to me reprehensible that the council will take no action before an accident occurs.

"All it requires is an extension of yellow lines of some twenty or thirty feet.

"Surely, prevention is better than waiting until a life is lost or a serious accident occurs."

Mr Serpell said he and other residents are extremely disappointed with the council’s attitude.

He said: "We're even more annoyed as they haven’t even bothered to come out and assess the problem."

Executive member for growth and development at Blackburn with Darwen council, Phil Riley, said: "We are aware of this request from the residents and have been in contact with them explaining the reasons that these works are unfortunately not possible.

"Any extension of any parking restriction scheme would need a Traffic Regulation Order which can be a lengthy and expensive legal process with public consultation.

"Unfortunately, it is not a simple case of painting additional yellow lines.

"However, if our budget situation improves we may be able to look at this in the future.

"I have also asked the Council’s Network Manager to speak to the company responsible for the advertising vehicle with a view to removing it and improving the visibility, although they are legally not in breach of any parking arrangements."