Northumberland County Council has consulted people who live near the station about the possible erection of no waiting signs.

It says the proposals are necessary because vehicles are experiencing difficulties when negotiating the junction of South View and Curly Lane at the station's entrance.

But residents say the restrictions would heap more traffic onto the already congested streets around the station.

They also say the planned new car park on the side of the northbound platform would go someway to alleviate the congestion crisis.

John Dougray, who lives in Curly Lane, said: "Just when you think traffic chaos couldn't get any worse in and around Alnmouth Station, along comes the new unitary authority with a suggested proposal that should be firmly stamped on the head before it takes its first, faltering steps.

"The proposal would only dump the problem in our lap, that is those of us who live in the small cul-de-sac near the station.

"Already, we have more than our fair share of vehicles using our parking spaces when we are not there.

"If further restrictions are imposed, you can be sure they will not only park in the street but on the grass verges opposite our homes."

He warned that it could also cause access problems for vehicles such as delivery vans and emergency services.

He added: "We would ask the council not to take any further action until the new station car park is in use, hopefully by the end of the year. Its opening could go a long way towards solving the parking problems in Lesbury and Hipsburn."

The proposal is set to be discussed at a meeting in July.
A council spokesman said: "The aims of the proposed no waiting at any time restrictions are both to protect the entrance to the car parking at the station, and also to help buses to negotiate that area.

"In terms of work on the station car parking – designs are still being tweaked and we are planning to start work again in September."