MOTOR traders who park cars for sale on public roads in certain parts of Essex can expect to be hit with a £100 penalty as part of a new crackdown.

Roddy Ashworth

MOTOR traders who park cars for sale on public roads in certain parts of Essex can expect to be hit with a £100 penalty as part of a new crackdown.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has joined forces with trading standards officers in a bid to tackle the problem which, according to a spokesman, is plaguing many main roads, residential areas and seafronts.

The traders are also blocking legitimate parking spaces with vehicles for sale and could present safety problems to both road-users and pedestrians, he said.

It is an offence under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act to park multiple vehicles advertised for sale in any particular area.

Offenders will initially be issued with a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice and evidence will be gathered on persistent offenders with a view to prosecution.

A trader found guilty of repeated offences could ultimately face a £2,500 fine as well as have to pay the council's legal and enforcement costs.

Harry Shearing, TDC's portfolio holder for technical and procurement services, said he was determined to get to grips with the situation.

“The streets are not car showrooms - they are for the legitimate use of residents and visitors to the district,” he said. “So often the parking of unsightly vehicles annoys residents and local legitimate businesses including genuine vehicle traders.”

Mr Shearing added the commercial display of cars on public roads could spoil the amenity of the immediate area, restrict available parking and could lead to road safety problems.

He said: “This initiative emphasises the value of partnership - with Trading Standards officers, the police and the DVLA working closely with TDC officers to combat this criminal activity”.

Mr Shearing stressed the enforcement action was not intended to target private individuals selling their own single vehicles.