Illegal parkers could have cars towed away

Offending drivers will not only be fined but risk having their vehicles towed away.

Release of the car will cost a statutory 105 fee, coming on top of a fixed 30 fine.

The new crackdown is aimed at those who

r abuse waiting limits

r park on double yellow lines

r park on approaches to pedestrian crossings, footpaths and bus stops.

Disabled drivers who abuse their privileges will also be targeted.

A plan of action to deal with troublesome motorists has been drawn up by Rother council leader Graham Gubby and police sector commander Inspector Max Mosley.

Anyone caught flouting the regulations will have their vehicle towed to a compound at Cripps Corner or Eastbourne.

Penalties were, until now, fixed at 40, which was reduced to 20 if paid immediately.

Councillor Gubby said: "Everybody wants to be able to park conveniently and find a spot when they are shopping.

"Many people I speak to complain about the lack of parking that stops them going into Bexhill to shop.

"Well, there are actually plenty of spaces if used properly.

"It is not fair that some people choose to flout the law making it harder and harder to find parking spaces in town. If you break the law - watch out!

"But if you are one of the majority of law abiding motorists you have nothing to fear, quite the contrary, you should find it easier to park!"

In two years and with limited resources, police have issued tickets to the value of 76,000 in the town centre alone.

Inspector Mosley said: "This exercise has been brokered as a partnership because of the real concern about parking as a quality of life issue."