POLICE are cracking down on an "epidemic" of illegal and dangerous parking in a city suburb.

Illegal parking in St Johns has been described by councillor Richard Udall as a blight in the area, which is putting parents, children and other drivers at risk.

There are also fears emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines may be needlessly delayed when responding to a 999 call.

Cllr Udall said the move by police to crack down on inconsiderate parking will be welcomed by him and many fed-up residents.

"There is almost an epidemic proportion of illegally parked cars in St Johns," he said.

"Not a day goes by without me receiving a call about a car abandoned by a driver who cannot find a safe place to put their car."

PCSO Kate Hand said the police are working hard to tackle residents parking concerns in the area.

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She said: "Inconsiderate or illegal parking can put pedestrians and other road users in danger. It can also create an obstruction for emergency vehicles.

"While some enforcement activity is carried out jointly with partners, the relevant local authority employ parking enforcement officers to assist with these issues.

"But often problems can be resolved through raising awareness of the impact or consequences or other practical measures.

"Please be mindful when parking that you do not cause obstructions to pedestrians, pathways, driveways, or access routes."

Cllr Udall said the biggest issue is takeaway drivers who will block access to the footpath and obstruct dropped kerbs.  

Last month, a police sergeant seized a car after spotting it parked on a pedestrian crossing in St Johns.

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The black car obstructed a toucan crossing, leading Warndon Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) to issue a warning.

Worcester City Council civil enforcement officers stepped up its evening street patrols to crack down on illegal parking last March.

The patrols were stepped up following complaints from residents who are encouraged to alert the parking team to areas with a problem.

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

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, it should be reported to the police.