But the good news is that plans are afoot to do something about the situation.

The south end of Manse Road, where it connects with Clarendon Road and Friars Way, has become the regular home for a number of parked cars, and residents have serious concerns about road safety.

Jim Carlin, a resident at 31 Clarendon Road, said: "The southbound carriageway is effectively blocked by parked cars. Cars going up the road meet cars going down the way and it is a head to head situation, unless there are spaces between the cars that you can pull into.''

He added: "Manse Road is a north-south artery for the town and it is being throttled by traffic. There's going to be an accident. Does someone have to be killed for something to be done about this?"

A spokesperson from Linlithgow Community Council was also concerned and said it was often difficult for residents in the area to get to their own cars.

Inspector Hugh Murphy at Linlithgow Police Station is aware of the issues.

He said: "We have had a couple of complaints. It is regularly visited by a traffic warden and we have dealt with cars that are parked illegally. We are liasing with the Council as this problem needs to be addressed in the long term."

But an answer could be provided by West Lothian Council. A council spokesperson said that they were in the process of proposing "no waiting at any time" restrictions for the section of Manse Road between Clarendon Road and Friars Brae. The Council will advertise the proposal and any objections will be considered by the Council Executive.

editorial@journalandgazette.co.uk