POLICE are asking motorists to stop putting lives at risk by parking illegally in Wooburn Green.

Cars are parking in the bus stop outside Tesco Express, in The Green, and too close to the junction for Whitepit Lane.

They are creating a traffic hazard because the parked cars make it impossible for drivers to see the road ahead.

Police, Wooburn Residents' Association and the two bus companies operating in the area have condemned the drivers as irresponsible'.

Chris Baker, chairman of the residents' association, said: "There has been one or two near misses and bumps but that is an accident waiting to happen.

"Just today a 4x4 parked in the middle of the bus stop and a bus came along and had to park in the middle of the road, which caused traffic to build up from both ways and it was a danger to people getting off the bus."

There is space for around five cars between the bus stop and the zebra crossing but when they are full, cars are parking in the bus stop and close to the junction.

Police are urging people to park in the two public car parks behind the shops in Red Lion Way.

Sgt Jamie Smith, of the neighbourhood policing team, said: "We are pleading for a bit of common sense in safety terms because cars cannot see around the corner. We want to educate rather than give tickets. We are not looking to give people stick, we just want local people to park responsibly."

He added that people, especially the elderly and parents with young children, should be able to board a bus from the kerb rather than squeezing between cars.

There is a bus stop on either side of The Green outside the Tesco Express and both Arriva and Carousel, which have buses operating through Wooburn Green have also raised their concerns.

Steve Burns, managing director of Carousel, said: "People do not realise how dangerous it is.

"It is very insensitive and very dangerous. It is common sense. You do not park in a bus stop. Why not park two minutes up the road?

"It is one of those frustrating things that you cannot get through to people."

Linsey Frostick, customer services manager for Arriva, said: "Our buses often find it difficult pulling up to the stop in Wooburn Green due to inconsiderately parked cars. This can make getting on and off the bus difficult for our customers and we would welcome any action that resolves the issue of cars parking in bus stops."