Concerns have been raised by residents about the problem caused by cars parking next to the busy junction between Dray Road and the Ham Hill Road at the crossroads in higher Odcombe.
Cars parking by the wall next to the old water pump cause vehicles to drive wide and often over the centre marking of the junction which then causes problems for vehicles entering Dray Road from the Ham Hill Road from both directions.
We met with a local resident and Somerset Council Highways Department to discuss a potential solutions to the situation, and their suggestions were as follows:
Double yellow lines would be inappropriate in this location because they can only be employed in pairs on both sides of the road, which is unnecessary in this context. Also, it is always advisable to use double yellow lines as sparingly as possible in a rural location.
White ‘H bar’ markings which, whilst not enforceable, can be very effective in indicating that parking should be avoided in locations such as this and often work well. This type of marking combined with a discrete area of hatching and a repainting of the original markings on both sides of the junction would be a good solution in this location.
Highways suggestions are illustrated below, and the Parish Council would welcome any views via email to clerk@odcombeparishcouncil.gov.uk. Residents’ views will be considered when the Council next meet to decide whether to endorse Highways proposal or not.
