PARKING restrictions are set to be imposed on a busy part of the St Albans ring road which has been heavily used by park-goers.

During spells of warm weather and school holidays, the grass verges along Bluehouse Hill can be jam-packed with cars parked up to use Verulamium Park.

Concerns have repeatedly been raised about the safety of the parking as drivers slow down in the hunt for a space and others reverse off the verges onto the busy 40mph stretch of road.

Other problems include damage to the grass and some cars have overhung the footpath, inhibiting access for wheelchair users.

Theoretically motorists aren’t supposed to park on grass verges but there are currently no parking restrictions in place along the stretch of road.

However the district council is in the process of implementing a new traffic order to change that in light of the problems.

It will also extend to the roads around the hospital site, where dangerous parking issues were highlighted by the Herts Advertiser earlier this year, along with parts of Hatfield Road and Ashley Road.

Consultation has now closed and a decision about whether or not to proceed with the order will soon be made by Cllr Chris Oxley, portfolio holder for community engagement and support.

If the council presses ahead with the order it is expected to be effective towards the end of August.

A spokesperson said: “The necessary draft traffic regulation order has been advertised within the local press, notices have been placed at each location and residents of the roads in question have been written to with details of the proposals.”