POLICE have issued their first fines as part of a crackdown on illegal parking in Accrington.

The town centre blitz started yesterday but police said just two tickets were issued.

Officers are targeting key areas where problems arise, including Peel Street and Blackburn Road, around the bus station where 61-year-old Joyce Rigby died after she was trapped under a bus in October.

Other areas under the spotlight include Cross Street, where drivers frequently double park, and Dutton Street, where badges issued to businesses on the street are often misused, with vehicles parking all day instead of for loading and unloading.

Sergeant Mark Porter, who leads Accrington's town centre team, said the initiative would target drivers of all kinds, including shoppers and traders.

"We have been out and about as a gentle starter, advising people who were causing problems. Initially it largely looks as though people are not parking where they shouldn't be," he said.

"That could be assisted by the fact that in Church Street the council have cones out because they are doing some work.

"I hope that by announcing the operation in the press, people will see it and not park illegally.

"We only had to issue two tickets yesterday."

Motorists found parking on yellow lines be given a £30 fine, with three penalty points and £60 fines will be go for more serious offences.

A bus driver was arrested and released on bail pending further inquiries after the accident in which Mrs Rigby died.

An inquest into her death will be held next month .