LYTHAM police are mounting a major campaign in a bid to put the brakes on illegal parking in Lytham town centre.

Officers will target drivers who park on the pavement, obstruct the road unnecessarily or ignore waiting restrictions to resolve the growing number of complaints from residents and shopkeepers.

More than ten officers will patrol the town centre streets from July 16 advising erring motorists of the regulations. This will then be followed by an enforcement period with additional traffic wardens and police officers sent to the town centre.

Police commander for Lytham and St Annes Inspector Ken Naylor said: "The campaign is necessary to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike.

"Parking on and obstructing the pavement not only causes damage which costs the ratepayers thousands of pounds a year in repairs, but is a serious hazard to pedestrians who are often forced to walk out into the road.

"As the summer season builds up things can only get worse and we hope the timing of the campaign will prevent the usual holiday problems."

He added: "The strength of feeling in the area is extremely strong. I have received dozens of letters asking for stronger enforcement measures and the same feelings have been expressed at every public meeting I have attended in Lytham."

Acting Sgt Peter Beresford, who is co-ordinating the campaign, said: "We hope motorists will voluntarily respond to the campaign by giving more consideration to other users and abiding by the regulations.

"However, we will come down on the hard core who continue to flout the law following the publicity and advisory stage of the campaign with prosecutions."

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