There were loud toots from a Co-op lorry in West St Helen Street yesterday evening, trying to get a driver back to their car.

The lorry had to stop because on one side there were parked residents’ cars, and on the other  was a car parked where cars do not normally park – on a single yellow line with a restriction of no waiting 8am–6pm Monday to Saturday. Only a few weeks ago, new double yellow lines were introduced along this street, but not this particular section.

For a while, traffic built up behind the lorry, until the driver reversed and other drivers behind adjusted their positions. This allowed cars to mount the kerb to get round the lorry.

A few minutes later, with help from a Co-op employee on foot, the lorry was able to squeeze through without a scrape.

Single yellow lines with time restrictions can give the impression that parking is acceptable, but if parked cause an obstruction that could be a police matter.

P.S. It may have been an emergency situation.