DOUBLE yellow lines and parking restrictions to stamp out nuisance parking in Bicester have been "a long time coming" say residents as 15 roads go under scrutiny.

A host of waiting restrictions have been put out to consultation by Oxfordshire County Council to help tackle the long-running issue of cars clogging up streets.

Residents have praised the move and hope it will help tackle "parking problem hotspots" such as Kings End, Mallards Way and Woodfield Road where people often dump their cars to avoid train station parking prices.

BicesterTAG co-chairman Sallie Wright, who lives off Kings Avenue, said: "One of the restrictions proposed is for my road as we get cars parked down here and people go off all day.

"I think it is long overdue.

"Near the train station people are often affected and hear that people park in front of there driveways rather than the station car park.

"We have a perfectly good free park and ride to stop these people parking in the streets."

The restrictions come as a response to concerns for safety as visibility is obstructed often at junctions and in some cases cars are unable to get through.

Areas under consultation include Bucknell Road, Kings Avenue, Mallards Way and Woodfield Road - often those near both Bicester Village Station and Bicester North Station.

Mrs Wright added: "It is a good thing to introduce parking restrictions as it has been a problem for many years with issues such as Bicester Village on Black Friday or Christmas.

"Although it is important that these restrictions are policed properly and we will see if wardens could be given extra powers to ensure these are enforced."

Oxfordshire County Councillor for Bicester West Les Sibley added: "Many people have been campaigning for these restrictions to tackle parking problem hotspots for many years over safety concerns,

"Rowan Road is one of the proposed areas and a great example of where I have raised safety concerns on the S bend where people park.

"Lots of people park on that dangerous bend and with people speeding it is a concern.

"Other areas include Bucknell Road and Woodfield Road where people park up for the day and walk over to the train station.

"More and more people have cars and we are a town of major growth but unfortunately were let down by developers as Bicester does not have the necessary road infrastructure.

"This is the first tranche to better roads, Bicester was built for the horse and cart with quite narrow roads."

The councillor has welcomed the proposals and hopes it may prompt more drivers to use the free park and ride at Vendee Drive.

He added: "The park and ride costs nothing and has good connections to Oxford and also the S5 bus which can take visitors and residents straight into the heart of the town.

"More people need to use it and there will be less cars on the roads."

The consultation will run up until Friday, October 21, and responses should be made at consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/BicesterParkingRestrictions