HALSTEAD Town Council is set to apply for road restrictions as it looks at a daytime parking ban in a congestion hotspot.

Drivers could be banned from parking outside Halstead Public Gardens in a bid to ease traffic woes in the town.

At its last meeting, Halstead Town Council has unanimously agreed to apply to the Local Highways Panel for a part-time ban in Trinity Street by the park.

Previously, the council looked at double yellow lines, however, it was recommended by Essex County Councillor Chris Siddall to apply for a single yellow line parking restriction instead.

According to the North Essex Parking Partnership’s traffic regulation order policy, the council has identified various issues to assess the viability of restrictions.

In reference to congestion, the town council said Trinity Street is a “high priority route”, shown by reports of congestion especially during peak commuter periods, including issues relating to buses stopping at the bus stop.

The council said it has received many comments on congestion in the area by those driving through, as it is “impossible for two vehicles to pass in opposite directions when vehicles are also parked on the road”.

The issue of slow-moving traffic adding to air pollution was noted, especially due to young people using the route to walk to and from schools.

The council also identified issues with increased traffic due to a more homes in the town.

It said: “The new developments of houses on the outskirts of Halstead have increased traffic flows for schools, work and shopping.

“The number of households in Halstead has risen from 4,066 in 2020 to 4,401 in 2023 - an increase of 335 households over three years.”

The final point raised was in reference from the community where restrictions are required to manage commuter, shopper or residents' parking.

The council said it has received complaints from individuals about “congestion and lack of safe places to cross due to obstructed vision, as well as egress from Kings Road to Trinity Street given poor visibility”.

The ban would prevent parking in Trinity Street between 7am and 7pm, to stop parking at busy times, but to allow residents to park in the evenings and overnight.