RESIDENTS are calling for greater traffic controls after claiming a popular new play park is adding to the “mayhem” in a Poole road.

Parkstone Bay Association welcomed new play equipment at Whitecliff public open space, but have for many years been urging action on speeding and parking on Whitecliff Road.

Peter Steer, association secretary, had called for action “before the problems became critical and more importantly, before a child was injured”.

Now, on behalf of the association, he is requesting a 20mph speed limit on Whitecliff Road, speed humps near the play area, four-hour parking restrictions, a ban on campervan parking and a four-hour restriction in the car park.

“Even before the children’s school holidays we have traffic problems, with absolute traffic mayhem at the Easter weekend,” he said. “Could we please have action before an accident occurs?”

A resident has presented the council’s leisure services department with a DVD illustrating the problems, showing gridlock at one stage. It is believed that some of the cars are left in the road all day by people working in town.

Cllr Tony Woodcock, Parkstone ward and cabinet member, said: “Double yellow lines were introduced at the western end of Whitecliff Road in 2008 to help ease the problems caused by vehicles parking on both sides of the road.”

A report on traffic and parking controls in the area went before Newtown and Parkstone area committee meeting on May 13 but was deferred for further surveys.

“Members of the committee would certainly need to study the evidence of increased traffic due to the new play area, and other parking issues, before recommending any significant changes,” said Cllr Woodcock.