BEMUSED traders are scratching their heads after the council painted a double-yellow line on their road – just weeks after it was opened to traffic in a bid to boost trade.
For 18 months, all vehicles will be able to turn onto the road from Parkway, which was previously only open to taxis and buses.
But many traders are worried that their customers will now not be able to park after Chelmsford City Council put a double-yellow line down one side.
"It doesn't make any sense. It was fantastic that they opened the road but now our customers can't park," said Tracy Cheek, the manager of Goodleigh Dental Practice.
"We've just become another shortcut. We're a bit forgotten on Broomfield Road so it was great that people would be able to see us but it's just ridiculous that they can't park. It's one step forwards, two steps back."
But the council said it had agreed the changes with the West End Business Association, as part of the conditions to open the road to traffic again.
A council spokesperson said: "Yes, the double-yellow lines are newly painted.
"It was agreed with the traders' association that as part of opening up access through the road, lines would be painted for safety reasons as buses use the road in both directions and access would be impaired.
"Car parking is available behind the Ship on Railway Street and Coval Lane."
But according to Norman Ellis, the owner of Options Hair in Broomfield Road, the majority of traders are bemused by the decision.
"We noticed the lines on Tuesday – all the shop owners do not understand why they are taking car parking away from our customers.
"The road is now open to traffic but that traffic can't park.
"Broomfield Road is a 'destination road' – people don't just wander down here browsing, they come here for a specific shop.
"Without easy parking, I'm sure our customers will get annoyed."
Richard Hickman, 65, manager of music shop James Dace & Sons, who is part of the West End Business Association, said: "It's the price that we have had to pay for getting the road opened up to all traffic.
"The key is whether the increased access outweighs the loss of car parking spaces."
