A Silsden car dealer says double yellow lines are needed outside his garage entrance to prevent cars parking there.

Ian Briggs, who owns Airedale Toyota, in Howden Road, claims cars often park in front of the garage, making it difficult for customers to get in and out. He believes double yellow lines would make the entrance safer as well as ease the congested parking situation near Craven Drive junction, just past the garage.

His statement comes in reaction to a report in last week's Keighley News on the problems caused by the high volume of traffic parked around the junction. The report described how cars park on both sides of Howden Road, making it virtually impassable and dangerous for pedestrians, and alarming nearby residents.

Mr Briggs says: "We don't park any of our cars on this road because we use our forecourt and the compound at the back of the garage.

"A lot of our customers have complained to us about cars parked across our entrance. Between 8.30am and 9am this area is full of children on their way to school and these cars parked here make it very dangerous for them. I often hear the screeching of tyres and people shouting.

"I would be happy to see double yellow lines put down along this road. People just can't see anything because of the parked cars and sooner or later someone is going to get clouted. The yellow lines are needed for safety reasons."

He adds that he has contacted the authorities to try to get something done about the parking problem.

As reported in last week's article, Keighley road traffic police said illegal parkers would be dealt with on an individual basis. Police promised to keep an eye on the situation.

Anyone who wants to make a complaint about the parking situation can contact Keighley police helpdesk on 01535 617059.

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