FRUSTRATED residents are playing a 'waiting game' over efforts to stamp out parking problems in Bicester, as plans to paint double yellow lines on Mallards Way are delayed.

They have been calling for a solution to the long-running battle with drivers parking on the Langford street, which they say churns up the grass and spoils green spaces, for more than a year.

The number of cars has steadily built up and now daily lines the residential street off London Road, thought to be used by drivers going to Bicester Village Station or the nearby business park.

Oxfordshire County Council approved a series of waiting restrictions in streets throughout Bicester town, Bicester North and Bicester West in June.

The council's cabinet member for environment Yvonne Constance backed the plans, which included changes to Mallards Way, but the promised double yellow lines have yet to be painted.

Carole Hetherington, from Langford Village Community Association's highways and development team, said residents were currently playing a 'waiting game' and the issue was as bad as ever.

She said: "We were told they would be in place by the end of July but here we are at the end of August and nothing has been done yet.

"The number of cars parking there has crept back up again because we stopped going out patrolling when the council agreed to put the lines down."

She added: "I see the double yellow lines as a positive step, especially as we are told they will be properly enforced, but it's just a case of it getting done now."

Mallards Way resident John Broad, said: "The problem is drivers park on both sides of the road making it single file and there is a slight curve so you can't see what's coming.

"It's been bad for years but has definitely got worse recently. I think people decide to park on the road rather than spending the £7 a day at the train station."

However, he remains unconvinced double yellow lines are the best solution to the issue.

He said: "It would make more sense to put bollards up so people physically can't park rather than having to rely on it being enforced."

Bicester Town Councillor Dan Sames said Oxfordshire County Council confirmed the lines are now due to be painted by the end of September and had been delayed by a reorganisation in the highways department.

He said: "It is very disappointing. This has been a problem for years and we really thought that it was moving forward with the yellow lines.

"I can understand why people are getting really fed up because it is wearing on those who live close by to this inconsiderate parking."

Once in place, the restrictions will be monitored over the next six to 12 months and a review carried out to see if changes are needed.