MOTORISTS looking to park in Maldon and its surrounding villages are being warned not to flout the law – or they could face a hefty fine.Following in the footsteps of other Essex towns, like Colchester and Chelmsford, the district council is soon to take charge of all parking enforcement.

MOTORISTS looking to park in Maldon and its surrounding villages are being warned not to flout the law – or they could face a hefty fine.

Following in the footsteps of other Essex towns, like Colchester and Chelmsford, the district council is soon to take charge of all parking enforcement.

The move will see council parking attendants having their duties increased from just ticketing vehicles in council restricted areas, such as residents parking, to also dealing with other areas of parking infringement – including yellow line and double yellow zones.

Taking on the responsibility is designed to relieve a greatly reduced police traffic warden force in the town, and will enable the council to keep the proceeds of parking fines.

Any profit made from the scheme - after operating and start-up costs have been paid off - will be re-invested into council highways and transport initiatives.

Initially three specially trained parking attendants will take to the streets of the riverside town, with a fourth being recruited soon after the scheme's launch, on April 1.

The scheme has been launched in the wake of a scourge of indiscriminate parking in Maldon, affecting pedestrian and driver safety, as well as increasing congestion and delays on local roads.

Anyone ticketed by one of the new council parking attendant will be subject to a £60 fixed penalty fine, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Payments can be made by post, telephone or in person at council offices.

The council has promised a firm but fair approach to parking enforcement, targeting areas of greatest parking abuse where the effect of parking contraventions are made the most.

"The district council is delighted at being part of the second tranche of authorities in Essex who have taken these new powers," said Rodney Bass, leader of the authority.

"This is an opportunity to provide a cohesive parking enforcement, removing any confusion over who is responsible in what is an important community role.

"The council has embraced this opportunity and hopes that as a small rural authority it will pave the way for other similar authorities in the county over the next 18 months," he added.