(Image: DURHAM POLICE)
Police have warned Darlington College students not to park in a nearby housing estate after residents complained of a “parking war”.
Pictures shared by police show cars parked on Central Park left on curves and abandoned at junctions.
Residents previously said they were “fed up” competing with students for parking spaces and had been “left with little option but to move”.
Homeowners say they have had furious run-ins with students, describing them as “rude, obnoxious and intimidating”.
Some of the parking in Central Park, Darlington estate
Durham Police have now warned college drivers that parking in the streets could put people at risk.
A spokesperson for the police force said: "We’ve received concerns about vehicles being parked dangerously close to junctions, on corners and around bends, creating visibility issues for drivers and making it difficult to see approaching traffic.
"This isn’t just inconsiderate parking. It can create a genuine safety risk for residents, other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians."
Durham Police urged drivers to respect Central Park residents, park legally, keep corners, bends and junctions clear, and avoid blocking roads or visibility.
The statement added: “We will carry out spot checks in the area. Vehicles parked dangerously or obstructively may face enforcement action and could be removed where legally permitted.”
One of the cars on Central Park, Darlington
“Spending a few extra minutes finding a suitable space is far better than putting someone else at risk.”
The Northern Echo previously reported that residents faced a “slalom” of cars around Central Park, while emergency vehicles and delivery trucks became stuck among them.
Darlington Borough Council said responsibility lies with developer Keepmoat because it cannot adopt the roads until the estate, started in 2015, is complete.
Darlington College said it had reminded students of their responsibilities but could not enforce parking off campus.
A resident previously told The Northern Echo: “We understand that Keepmoat Homes is responsible for putting down double yellow lines, but won't commit to a timescale for doing so. Until this happens, the council can't/won't take any action.
“We are going round in circles and feel like we have nowhere else to turn.
"As residents, we are extremely concerned that there will be a serious accident or fatality one day because of this, and it's incredibly stressful leaving the estate on a morning."
Another resident accused students of treating the roads as a “racetrack”, blocking driveways, double-parking at the entrance and blasting music from their cars.
Darlington Borough Council said it was “aware of the issues”, but added: “The estate’s roads have not yet been adopted as public highways, so we are unable to act. It is a matter for the developers, who are aware of the issue.”
It added: “When the roads are adopted, we will only be able to issue parking charge notices if restrictions such as double yellow lines are in place.”
Darlington College said it was “aware of residents’ concerns about student parking around Central Park and nearby estates and understood the disruption this can cause”.
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It added: “We recently wrote to the surrounding neighbourhood outlining how we aim to work with residents to improve the situation.”
“We continue to remind students of their responsibilities, promote alternative travel options and direct them to suitable parking when on-site capacity is reached. Our liaison officers patrol regularly and address reported issues.”
“Although the college cannot enforce parking off campus, we are working with the council, local MP, police and partner organisations on action and longer-term solutions. We thank residents for raising their concerns and continuing to engage.”