POLICE have issued nearly 900 fines for illegal parking in Felixstowe’s award-winning shared space shopping area – but admit they cannot solve the problem.

Only disabled drivers and delivery vehicles are allowed to park in Hamilton Road between Boots and Bank Corner, and they must park in the black-paved spaces.

In the scheme’s second section, from Orwell Road to Bent Hill, no parking at any time is permitted on the Barclays Bank side of the street, even though there are no yellow lines.

Sgt James Harper, of Felixstowe Safer Neighbourhood Team, said since problems of parking abuse arose about 18 months ago, officers had issued 884 tickets.

He said: “When the scheme first opened we opted to go down the line of giving advice to motorists and moving them on, but then we had to start issuing tickets and take more of a firm stance.

“It’s created a lot of work and a lot of time has been devoted to it.

“I would like to be able to say it has made a difference, but it hasn’t. I personally don’t think the situation has improved at all.”

A recent influx of new officers and a return to duty of some from sickness would mean more visibility on the street and hopefully deter drivers.

Councillor Doreen Savage said: “This indiscriminate parking is a real bugbear of mine – particularly outside Barclays Bank. There are vehicles there all the time which shouldn’t be and it restricts the width of the road.”