Huge gap left in double yellow lines for days because parked car was in the way

A massive gap was left in a set of double yellow lines for days - because a parked car was in the way.

Contractors had to return to complete the marks in Brighton, East Sussex, after residents mocked the gaffe.

One resident, Shaun Keeley, said: "This is an absolute joke, these yellow lines are everywhere in Patcham (the area of Brighton) now.

"The council should sort out all the abandoned camper vans and dumped caravans everywhere that are taking up parking spaces for those who pay car tax and insurance."

It is understood a vehicle was dumped for days on the spot of the road but the council's team worked around it to create the double yellow lines recently.

Some residents said they were unaware the work was scheduled - so cars weren't moved (Google Maps)

Days later, the owner of the vehicle drove it away - leaving what was a huge gap between the yellow markings.

It exposed what some residents joked would become a "free parking" spot in the quiet suburb in the north of Brighton and Hove.

One resident posted on Facebook: "Twice as long as they should be, taking up valuable parking in the area. As residents, we were not given warning of the contractors coming to do this, otherwise, residents cars would not have been left there."

"It's a waste of taxpayers' money."

A Conservative councillor for the area also questioned whether households had been given advance notice of the job and, had they been, they would have moved their vehicles in time.

Alistair McNair, councillor for Patcham and Hollingbury, said he was "really pleased" to see the yellow lines that he had requested were being painted.

"Residents often request them, especially on corners, to help improve exits and entrances - in this case partly so residents' rubbish could get collected more regularly as parked cars often blocked access for large vehicles," Cllr McNair told Brighton Argus.

"Imagine our surprise, and the irony, when residents told us they had painted the lines - but left a large gap because of a parked car."

Cllr McNair said the job, which should have required just one visit, ending up having "at least two more" and the lines were completed.

He questioned whether residents were given a warning about the impending line painting so they could move their cars, but added that he was "pleased" that the council and contractors responded to the request to complete the work.

Brighton and Hove City Council was contacted for comment.