MOTORISTS in Burnley can continue to park illegally in Burnley town centre after plans for a crackdown were delayed.

The parking free-for-all will continue through the summer after plans for decriminalisation were delayed until September when the council will take over responsibility from police Traffic wardens.

Town centre traders are concerned because the lack of enforcement means people are parking in short-stay spaces all day, which blocks up valuable spaces for shoppers.

The hand-over, which has already happened in some parts of the country, was due to happen in Burnley on July 4 but has been put back by the Department of Transport until September for legal reasons connected with the Traffic Management Bill.

President of the Burnley and District Chamber of Trade Angela Batty said: "We are very disappointed that the traffic wardens promised for June will not be on Burnley streets until September.

"The parking situation in Burnley has become out of control with people parking for longer than allowed and double parking on various streets which makes manoeuvring very difficult for wagon drivers when they have made deliveries."

From September the responsibility for enforcing on-street parking restrictions moves from the police traffic wardens - although there have been none on patrol in Burnley for some time - to local authority parking attendants.

Burnley Council's executive committee was told about the further delay when it met earlier this week.

Speaking after the meeting executive member Coun Peter Kenyon said: "The problem now is that there has been a delay in getting some of the necessary legislation through Parliament.

"People are virtually at liberty to park their car all day on yellow lines in the town centre."

Town centre manager Lisa Durkin said: "The sooner decriminalisation comes in the better because there are problems with people parking where they shouldn't and making it difficult for traders to receive deliveries."

Councillors have confirmed their support for county hall's decision to give the contract for parking enforcement to National Car Parks (NCP).

Under the new system those not paying their fines will be dealt with in civil proceedings at the county court. Fines for parking illegally will result in a fine of £60, with a 50 per cent discount if the fine is paid within 14 days.