Smallest yellow lines causes confusion

Yellow lines are supposed to keep roads clear

Officials have defended creating what is probably the shortest stretch of double yellow lines in the country, measuring just 45 inches.

Norwich City Council said the four-foot no-parking zone was necessary to encourage parking in designated bays.

But the official response has left motoring organisations and drivers bemused.

AA spokesman, Simon Woodings, said: "I know we are living in an age of smaller cars that are more environmentally friendly and economic but nobody's built one as small as 45 inches."

It might be useful to prevent a golfing trolley being parked

Simon Woodings, AA

Mr Woodings said: "It might be useful to prevent a golfing trolley being parked and might cause a few difficulties for ice cream carts but not much else.

"Double yellow lines do have great benefits in keeping the road clear but 45 inches isn't any use for anything."

The lines have been painted on to Rouen Road in the city next to a coach park.

One passing motorist said: "Traffic wardens won't get much money out of patrolling this area unless a family of rebellious leprechauns move in.

Stop confusion

"They'll be painting them up the walls next."

A spokeswoman for the city council said: "The yellow lines have been used to divide two different types of parking bays, in this case a car parking and a coach bay.

"This will give drivers space to manoeuvre between the two bays.

"We put double yellows in so as not to confuse drivers, particularly when parking in the city centre."