IT is feared people could become “housebound” if proposed parking restrictions on dozens of roads in and around Taunton come into force.

A raft of measures are being planned for nearly 40 stretches of road in Taunton, plus other areas in Wellington, Trull, Bishops Lydeard, Norton Fitzwarren and Wiveliscombe.

These include implementation of double yellow lines, no waiting restrictions during specific hours of the day and other measures for resident parking permits and disabled badge holders.

The plans include trying to free up roads around Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton which often become clogged during the day with cars parked by staff, patients and visitors.

But the move has been criticised by some residents, who say they are being penalised through no fault of their own.

Sara Mace, of Wellington New Road, said: “It means that residents with nowhere to park won’t be able to take time off work, be off sick, retire, invite friends to stay or round for coffee or employ workmen to carry out home repairs.

“The option would be to have no vehicle and to be effectively housebound.

“Not everyone is capable of walking great distances and buses do not necessarily go where you need them.”

A spokesperson for Somerset County Council said: “There are various reasons behind the mixture of proposed changes to some on-street parking, stopping, waiting, loading and unloading restrictions in the Taunton area.

“Some of these proposals are the result of residents’ concerns over commuter parking for Musgrove Park Hospital and the problems this causes.

“Other proposals are to deter motorists from parking for safety reasons, for example where they obscure visibility at junctions.”

The spokesman stressed that the proposals – at this stage – were “only proposals”.

Although the 21-day objection period officially ends today (Thursday), due to the Christmas period the council is extending this period to Friday, January 16.

Anyone wishing to object can write to the council at Area Traffic Engineer, Taunton Deane Area Highways Office, Burton Place, TA1 4HE, stating their reasons.