Worcester City Council is cracking down on illegal parking

Drivers are being targeted by Worcester City Council civil enforcement officers who are stepping up evening street patrols in a bid to crackdown on illegal parking.

The patrols have been stepped up following complaints from residents who are being encouraged to alert the parking team to areas where there is a problem.

It was revealed in just one evening last month, 41 fines were handed out to motorists who were parked illegally after 6pm.

READ MORE: Bishop of Worcester's tweets at cars parking in Cathedral Square

QUEUES: Taxis mounting the curb outside the Foregate Street taxi rank in Worcester (Image: @badparkingworcs)

Each fine was worth £70 and Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were also issued for a variety of offences.

Complaints of illegal parking include places such as disabled bays, taxi ranks, the King Street bus stand and the St John’s area.

People have also complained about food delivery drivers parking badly.

Worcester City Council said although illegal parking is for local councils to enforce, if a vehicle is parked dangerously or in a way that could prevent emergency vehicle access then it should be reported to police.

Councillor Karen Lewing, vice chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee, said: “Our message is simple – park legally, or don’t park at all.

BLOCKED: Copenhagen Street blocked by vehicles. (Image: Submitted)

"It only takes a couple of badly parked cars to cause traffic chaos – they are a hazard to other road users including disabled drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.

“Parking restrictions exist for good reasons, for public safety and to ensure that traffic flows smoothly and we will not compromise on such an important issue.

"Those who park illegally will be fined.”

Residents who wish to report issues around illegal parking are asked to contact parkingoffice@worcester.gov.uk.

Previously, we have reported on people and delivery drivers using Cathedral Square as a car park.

Drivers have been leaving their cars on the pedestrian area in front of the restaurants instead of using car parks in the city centre.

Cars have also been left on double yellow lines on Copenhagen Street.

It has led to fears that emergency vehicles would be unable to make their way onto the High Street.

City councillor Lynn Denham, Cathedral ward, said she has witnessed dangerously parked cars on her way to attend meetings at The Guildhall. 

Cllr Denham said: "People are abusing it and misusing it. 

"The street has become a place where people drop someone off and get a lift from town."