MOTORISTS who ignore new parking restrictions in the centre of Durham in the next two weeks will not be prosecuted.

However, Durham County Council says that after that period of grace, offenders will have to pay fixed penalties of up to £50.

The third phase of controls, including pay-and-display machines and residents' permits, was introduced on Monday in the Crossgate area of the city.

The aim is to reduce congestion, encourage people to use public transport and stop visitors and commuters parking in residential streets.

Council spokesman Ian Sadler said: "Because it is a new scheme and people need to know about it, we will not prosecute in the first fortnight.

"Instead of issuing fixed penalty tickets we will be handing out information leaflets. But after June 25 we will be giving out tickets.''

Drivers who park illegally will have to pay a £5 immediate fine, or £25 within 14 days, and £50 after that period.

The scheme was opposed in some streets where people wanted a residents-only rule.

The City of Durham Trust objected to the restrictions saying that the street furniture was out of keeping with the conservation area.

A total of 60 solar-powered ticket machines have been installed across the city.

The council's environment and technical services director, Chris Tunstall, said: "Every effort has been made to reduce the impact of this scheme in sensitive areas of the city.

"The use of complementary materials and solar-powered ticket machines is another example of the council's consideration for environmental concerns.''

Council cabinet member Don Ross said: "Parking control has proved to be effective in the first two zones and has been welcomed as a positive step towards achieving a better balance of use of available on-street parking space.

"I'm sure the completion of this third zone will benefit residents and visitors alike and will complete a further piece of the jigsaw in our attempt to reduce the impact of cars in our city.''

The scheme is run by national operator NCP. People can obtain permits and information about the scheme from the Parking Shop in North Road.