MOVES have finally been made to solve a 30-year issue of buses getting blocked by inconsiderate parking.

As previously reported, buses are not always able to get down Seven Acres Road in Preston, Weymouth due to cars parked on both sides blocking access, according to residents.

A public meeting was held on the street in January in a bid to find a solution to the issue after three decades of complaints.

Dorset Council councillor for Preston and Littlemoor, Louie O'Leary, said a Keep Clear sign has been painted on the road after concerns were raised to transport bosses.

Double yellow lines and fines for inconsiderate parking are also among the the next phase of ideas being touted.

Cllr O'Leary said: "After years of issues around buses getting blocked on Seven Acres Road in Preston, a solution to this 30-year problem has begun.

"Following a public meeting attended by over 40 residents, representatives from Dorset Council Highways and First Bus, it was agreed that a trial Keep Clear zone would be sprayed on the road to monitor if this helped.

"The next phase is to monitor this with a view to having permanent yellow lines sprayed at a future date.

The 25-year-old councillor added: "This has been going on longer than I’ve been alive so I’m glad that we’ve begun to solve it.

"Most importantly this is resident-led and we have consulted with residents who are actually affected by the issue through three leaflets and a public meeting. I would like to thank Dorset Council and First Buses for their work and support."

First group said historically there had been issues on the route at this location, but that in recent times "there have been no major disruptions to service here".

First managing director Marc Reddy added: "We welcome ‘keep clear’ signage to help the passage of traffic including buses, but our preference is always to have restrictions that are supported by Traffic Regulation Orders from the highways authority."

A spokeswoman from Dorset Council said: "One Keep Clear marking has been installed at one location, where parking was restricting bus access.

"We’re monitoring the success of this before considering any further action."