Drivers whose illegal parking prevents road surfacing work could be fined and have their car moved.

Essex County Council is trialling new powers to prevent works being delayed because of parked cars, which costs thousands of pounds.

Crews will aim to move cars to a safe location nearby and will try to contact the driver before moving it as well as police.

ECC highways chief Ian Grundy said crews would take a “common sense” approach, only using the powers when necessary.

“Resurfacing is a vital way to keep our roads safe and in a good condition,” he added.

“Before we resurface roads our crews make every effort to contact residents – putting leaflets through doors, signs up on site and information online asking people not to park on the road.

“Crews can waste hours looking and waiting for drivers who park on roads during resurfacing works. In the worst cases, delays can cost up to £10,000 as we have to call crews and equipment back on a different day or evening.

“We will take a common sense approach when using these new powers. Moving a vehicle will always be a last resort after our crews have made every effort to find the driver of the vehicle.

“This way we hope to encourage people to move their cars before work begins and allow us to improve their roads.”

More information is available on the council’s website.