Motorists handed warnings ahead of crackdown

4:02pm Thursday 4th September 2008

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MOTORISTS who park illegally are being handed warning notices ahead of a major crackdown next month.

Wycombe District Council is taking over responsibility for enforcement from the police on October 1 – and are bracing motorists for tougher patrols.

They are handing “advisory notices” to drivers who “park wherever and however they like”.

At the moment the council only patrols High Wycombe – but from next month will be responsible for all of Wycombe district with Marlow a key priority.

The council has said these areas are not given a high priority at present by Thames Valley Police.

Cllr Audrey Jones, cabinet member for wellbeing and neighbourhoods, said: “There is a minority of motorists who seem to have little regard for road markings and signs and park wherever and however they like.

“This is not only dangerous, but often causes delays and frustration for other road users.

“In the first instance, we are encouraging everyone who uses the district’s roads to learn the lines and signs and to make the decision to park responsibly.”

The “civil parking area” has been a major project for the council and is likely to see residents offered the chance to set up permit schemes.

Offenders will be prosecuted under civil law and not civil law when the police hand the powers to the council.