Parking rogues could be hit in the pocket

A police blitz will slap tickets on windscreens and tow away offending cars if necessary.

A stark poster, illustrated here, spells out the dire consequences if drivers outstay their welcome.

It's a 40 fixed penalty ticket and a 105 tow fee.

The "Clearer Streets" scheme was launched this week by Bexhill's new police chief.

He has warned drivers, "in a spirit of openness and transparency," that action will be taken against people openly flouting parking regulations.

And he is encouraging the public to report persistent offenders by phoning a specially-created Clearer Streets Information Line.

Inspector Simon Nelson is taking action following "close discussions" over the past week with Rother council and the Chamber of Commerce. Both have welcomed his action.

The Inspector has been out on foot patrol to see for himself the sort of problems traders put to town MP Greg Barker as a meeting two weeks ago.

Last week Rother leader Cllr Graham Gubby told the council's cabinet that "decriminalisation" of parking - Rother taking over from police responsibility for enforcement - is under consideration ... hence the threat of town centre parking meters.

This week Inspector Nelson told the Observer: "Due to the fact that the current street regulations are unlikely to change in the near future, it is important that everyone works closely together to do something about the problem."