PROPOSALS to allow motorists to park on double yellow lines have been welcomed by traders who said it will provide a much-needed boost for businesses.

A ‘grace period’ will allow shoppers to pick up goods from shops in a bid to boost the struggling high street, said communities minister Eric Pickles.

Under current legislation, parking or waiting on double yellow lines can result in fines of up to £70 in East Lancashire.

Under the new plans, as long as motorists do not park dangerously, they will now be able to stop for 15 minutes without being penalised.

Blackburn newsagent, Ibrahim Patel, owner of Audley News on Audley Range, said: “It will bring in more trade. It will be a good thing because it will stop people worrying that they will get a ticket.

“Parking is a problem for businesses. Some customers say there’s no parking next to the shop so they have to go round and round looking for a space.

“There used to be a factory behind my shop and the lines would keep the roads clear for the big trucks. I called my local councillor when the factory closed and asked if they could be removed, but he said a bus comes down here. I’ve been here 23 years and I have never seen a bus.”

Umair Khan, the owner of off-licence Joyce’s on Thursby Road, Burnley, said he also thought the proposal was a good idea for small businesses, adding: “We have a side street so people usually park there.”

The convenience store has double yellow lines at the front and customers already park there, Mr Khan said, but now ‘they won’t get a ticket’.

National chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses John Allan said: “We know that businesses have suffered because customers can’t stop outside to pop in for a loaf of bread or a pint of milk and choose instead to go to the supermarket, which has free parking. It would also have the added benefit of making it easier for businesses to use high street services, such as the bank or Post Office too.”