Drivers are being warned of immediate towing or fines as part of the next step in a clampdown on illegal parking.

Since January, Swindon Borough Council has handed out approximately 119 warning notices to cars obstructing the alleyways in Broadgreen.

Parking officers have also given out over 120 Penalty Charge Notices for a range of offences. These operations have had the “desired effect”, say police, with low levels of reoffending.

In the next stage of operations, drivers are being warned that those who block alleyways and park illegally will now be towed without notice.(Image: Wiltshire Police)

The council is working with Wiltshire Police on a collaborative project called Clear Hold Build “to help engage and educate drivers, and when necessary enforce the law”.

PCSO Chivers of Swindon Central South NPT said: “We know from information we receive from the Broadgreen community that illegal parking in alleyways causes significant disruption for local residents.

READ MORE: Crackdown on blight of inconsiderately parked cars blocking alleyways

“A single vehicle in an alleyway can cause huge issues for the local community, as well as the emergency services who are no longer able to easily navigate the area, which could potentially put lives at risk.

“To be clear, alleyways around Broadgreen and many other residential areas of Swindon form part of the highway and therefore constitute a road. This means they must be left clear of any disruption.

“Since the start of our operations at the beginning of this year, we’ve handed out more than 100 warning notices. It appears from the data that this has had the desired effect with low levels of re-offending, with few vehicles needing to be towed.

“From next month, however, we will be moving into this next phase of operations, where vehicles caught in the alleyways will be towed without warning.

“Any person in charge of a motor vehicle who causes or permits it to obstruct a road, including an alleyway, commits the offences. Should your vehicle be found parked illegally, you will either receive a fine or your vehicle may be towed.”

Back in September, when a similar warning was issued, ward councillor and council cabinet member Councillor Adorabelle Shaikh said: “It’s good to see Swindon Central South police working on residents' feedback and supporting the community. 

“As ward councillor for central, I will continue to work with all our officers and partners.” 

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