Instead Transport Minister Norman Baker urged councils to think about using restricted parking zones, particularly in single streets and environmentally-sensitive areas in towns and cities, which require a limited number of signs and are considered less intrusive than conventional yellow lines.

Norman Baker said: ‘No one wants to see unnecessary yellow lines blotting our towns and villages when there is an alternative. They are a clear eyesore that can be intrusive and can have a huge impact on the look and feel of our streets, particularly in historic town centres or conservation areas.

‘I encourage local authorities to think about the use of restricted parking zones. They can be used to improve the visual impact of the street while providing clear information to motorists.’

Many local authorities in England have already adopted restricted parking zones including Cheshire East Council, Cornwall, Slough, Warwickshire, Suffolk and Nottingham.