PART-TIME parking restrictions will be introduced on a busy Prudhoe road after concerns were raised about road safety near schools.

Northumberland County Council has confirmed that experimental traffic regulations will be put in place on Highfield Lane and a section of Highfield.

The measures are being introduced after concerns raised by St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School, Highfield Middle School, parents, local residents and school crossing patrols regarding congestion problems and road safety issues during school drop-off and pick-up times.

A letter detailing the plans from the county council’s highways programme said: “It has been reported that during school pick-up and drop-off times, the narrow roads, combined with inconsiderate parking, effectively reduces the carriageway down to single lane traffic.

“This results in vehicles travelling from both directions and meeting each other head on, forcing one or more vehicles to reverse back along the obstructed highway.”

Single yellow lines have appeared on Highfield Lane which are to be enforced by signs outlining the new restrictions.

There will be no waiting restrictions Monday to Friday from 8.15am to 9.30am and 2.45pm to 4pm.

The experimental traffic regulation order will be in place for 12 months, starting on Friday, April 6.