MOTORISTS WHO repeatedly block pavements in a residential area of Dundee were warned last night that they face being reported to the procurator fiscal and having their vehicle towed away.

Police officers have drafted an action plan in response to concerns about inconsiderate parking in the area around Wedderburn Street, Hepburn Street, Marryat Street and Marryat Terrace.

Vehicles are continually parked on the pavement, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road and blocking disabled access points.

Residents leaving their vehicles on the pavements during the evening and overnight are said to be the main offenders, although police believe an increasing number of people who work in the area are also parking illegally.

Sergeant Malcolm Harvey said the aim is to firstly warn and educate the owner or driver if the vehicle is parked causing an obstruction, contrary to Regulation 103 of the Construction and Use Regulations 1986.

Contravention of this offence comes with a minimum £30 penalty.

For a more serious offence of dangerous parking there is a fine of £60 and three penalty points, and the possibility of the vehicle being removed, incurring a charge of £150.

Having issued a previous warning, police officers who find the same vehicle parked in a similar manner will deal with the incident by enforcement and possible removal of the offending vehicle.

“We have had a great response from the public who are very supportive of the enforcement activity in the area,” said Sergeant Harvey.

“A number of drivers have already been warned and, if found parking on the pavement again, will see themselves being reported to the procurator fiscal.”

This isn’t the first time officers have had to monitor parking in the area, which includes sheltered housing. Last year a local councillor said irresponsible parking was putting the elderly and infirm at risk.

On one occasion a resident’s wheelchair became stuck between a car and the fence and then tipped over.

*Recent complaints about parking from residents in the Crescent Street area are not scheduled to be acknowledged until later this year, it was revealed yesterday.

There has been an ongoing problem for residents who are distressed at not being able to park in their own street, which links on to one of the main routes into the town centre.

Residents have claimed increasing numbers of drivers are taking advantage of the free parking on the street by leaving their cars there all day and walking into town via Princes Street.

Councillor Elizabeth Fordyce of Maryfield Ward attempted to meet the director of planning and transportation yesterday but was told no one was able to meet her.

She said, “The only advice he could give me is that the Crescent Street area is one of several which will be looked at to establish the potential for a residents’ parking zone.

“This process will commence later this year and will involve extensive consultation with local residents.

“I am disappointed that no one would meet me to discuss the issues.”