MAJOR changes look set to be on the way for the manner in which parking offences are handled across England’s biggest county.

And it could mean a tougher time for those who flout the restrictions while making it easier for others to park easily and safely in towns.

North Yorkshire County Council is launching a public consultation programme on proposals for the authority to take over the enforcement of most parking restrictions from the police in a bid to reduce illegal parking and obstructions.

Civil parking enforcement - where parking offences on the public highway are regulated by local highway authorities rather than the police - already operates in many parts of the UK as well as in the Scarborough and Harrogate boroughs of North Yorkshire.

The county council is now considering extending civil parking enforcement to the remaining districts of Hambleton, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Craven and Selby.

And the consultation programme now being launched seeks people's views on the authority’s plans as well as the parking issues that matter to them.

The county’s executive member for highways, Gareth Dadd, said yesterday: “As the highways authority it makes sense for the county council to consider taking on civil parking enforcement so that we can coordinate all our efforts in keeping our highways clear and free from any illegal obstruction.

“We believe it would lead to less congestion and therefore a reduction in pollution and better road safety.

“We also believe it would make it easier to park in town centres and help businesses with deliveries.“ He added: “We welcome people's views on this matter to assist us in developing our ideas.”

The consultation programme will run for 12 weeks and will come to an end on September 5.

The questionnaire can be completed online at northyorks.gov.uk/parkingsurvey For more information about the survey contact the county council’s customer service centre on 0845 8727374 .