MOTORISTS are being warned that police are clamping down on thoughtless and illegal parking in a busy village centre.

Residents of Sedgefield raised concerns about indiscriminate parking in the village at a PACT (police and communities together) meeting on Monday.

They complained about the three main hotspots outside the Sainsburys store, on North End, near the zebra crossing on High Street and in the East End/Front Street area.

In recent months officers have issued warning notices in those areas with a view to advising and educating motorists however police have continued to receive complaints.

Sgt Brian O’Connor said that in the interest of the pedestrian and road user safety and to address residents’ concerns, the neighbourhood policing teams will be directing patrols in those areas.

Police are warning that drivers found to be parked in contravention of any traffic regulation faces a fixed penalty notice and a £30 fine.