Close encounters and near misses have seen tempers fray in a picturesque Eden Valley village.
An appeal has gone out for motorists to show consideration and abide by the law when parking in Kirkoswald.
The increasing numbers of drivers parking on or near junctions and on narrow sections of road, leaving no room for wider vehicles to pass by — including ambulances and fire engines — has been hotly debated by parish and district councillors.
The issue has also prompted an impassioned plea for consideration in the parish newsletter, The Raven, with the author writing of behaviour by one driver which he described as being “selfish, lazy or inconsiderate”.
Also mentioned was the fact some drivers continue to travel at excessive speed through the village despite the parked cars, as if they were involved with “the opening minutes of the Le Mans race”.
Sue Quinn, who chairs the parish council, points out there is safe parking available in Kirkoswald, just a short distance from its pubs and shop on the Lazonby side of the village.
She added: “Yellow lines have been discussed and, although we do not want to spoil the look of out beautiful village, safety has to be the driving force in decisions made about persistent poor parking.
“Please respect other road users and residents who rely on access of emergency vehicles.”
Parish clerk Nick Phillips said other options considered had included the fitting of bollards or heavy planters to prevent parking in some spots, although he said it might be difficult to get permission for these from highways authorities.
He added that police had not issued penalty notices for illegal parking when they visited the village, and pointed out that closely parked vehicles do tend to slow the flow of through traffic.
