MOTORISTS in Winsford who park their car illegally are being warned that they will be hit with a fine as part of a police initiative.

CAT officers are handing out notices to drivers who are parking their vehicles on double yellow lines in the town centre.

PCSO Matthew Hood said: "This is an age old problem in Winsford.

"People are creating dangerous situations not only for themselves but also for other road users by parking on double yellow lines in service areas in the town centre.

"This obviously makes it extremely difficult for goods to be delivered if lorries are trying to drive around parked cars or parking further away from the loading area than is necessary.

"Not only that but fire escapes are being blocked, which is extremely worrying."

PC Yvonne Graham believes penalty notices will make drivers more responsible when parking their cars.

She said: "There are a number of free car parks available in Winsford and the majority of drivers already take advantage of them.

"There are, however, a handful of drivers who regularly flout parking rules.

"This is not acceptable and during the coming weeks they will find this behaviour carries financial consequences.

"It is unfortunate that we have to resort to issuing these fines, however the community is telling us this is a problem which is of great concern and as community officers we are dedicated to dealing with these types of issues."

PCSO Hood and PC Graham can be contacted on 0845 458 6391.