Hundreds of students at Runshaw College have been parking in Worden Park in Leyland after restrictions were imposed on the Langdale Road campus and surrounding streets.

But park users have complained they can no longer find spaces and now South Ribble Council is to introduce a three-hour limit on the car park on weekdays during term time from next Monday.

Coun Jim Breakell, cabinet member with responsibility for street scene services, said: "We think that these weekday term-time only restrictions will considerably reduce the number of students parking their cars on the car park.

"We do not want to penalise the students, but we must allow legitimate users of the park the opportunity to enjoy it."

From Monday, parking wardens will regularly patrol the car park and anyone found in breach of the order could be given a £50 fixed penalty notice.

Signs will be placed around the car park warning students and visitors of the change.

Parking has been an issue for the college and its students since restrictions were placed on the Worden estate, after complaints from local people of blocked driveways and dangerous parking.

Passes are issued to second year students who have passed their driving test, but they are not guaranteed a space on campus.

The college has also employed a private contractor to crack down on students who flout the rules, sparking anger from students. Some have refused to pay the £90 penalties.

Jim Smith, the college's admissions tutor, said: "Most of our students who come by car can use our bus network and do use it until they pass their test. We fully support the council's actions."

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