A HILPERTON pensioner has slammed Wiltshire Council for ‘doing half a job’ by installing double yellow lines on only one side of the road by his home.

Geoff Richards, who has lived in Ashton Road for 29 years, believes the traffic calming measure could lead to an accident in the village as motorists are forced to drive on the wrong side of Devizes Road to pass parked cars.

He said that he and other villagers were under the impression that both sides of Devizes Road between the Church Street and Ashton Road junction would be painted with yellow lines to stop inconsiderate parking in the area but only one side has been done.

“The particular danger at the junction is from traffic exiting from Ashton Road and turning left,” the 89-year-old said.

“One would normally expect only to look out to the right but if cars are parked on the north side of Devizes Road, traffic coming from the Lion & Fiddle direction has no option but to drive on the wrong side of the road to avoid the parked cars.

“It is clearly stated in the Highway Code that vehicles should not park within 12 metres of a road junction. It would seem that the council is encouraging motorists to ignore this advice.”

Mr Richards has asked the police if there is anything that can be done about the parking problem, including fixed penalty fines for people who park too close to the junction, but so far hasn't found a solution.

He now hopes Wiltshire Council will install more yellow lines before an accident happens.

“Fortunately we haven’t had an accident to date but that is mainly because people know the area," he said.

“We have had a couple of new roads put in over the years, which has relieved the pressure on Devizes Road, but there is still a danger.”

Wiltshire Council confirmed that it has no plans to install further yellow lines as it would mean many residents not being able to park in the area.

A spokesman added: “The double yellow lines were installed here following a request by the parish council as people were parking on the junction causing visibility issues.

“Adjustments to the original order were made and approved, giving consideration to the fact it is in a 20mph zone and the traffic is lighter following the opening of Elizabeth Way.”