MOTORISTS will now be fined £60 for parking illegally anywhere in the borough.

After a two-week period of grace, the counciI has now taken over enforcement of yellow line offences from the police.

Drivers who break the law will be handed Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) which will be reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Enforcement is being carried out by National Car Parks (NCP) on the council's behalf. It will also issue fines in pay and display areas.

Councillor Stella Smith, executive member for the environment and transport, said: "These changes will not affect responsible motorists. However, the minority who ignore restrictions and park incorrectly have a significantly increased chance of being caught and fined.

"We are doing nothing new, simply enforcing in a more robust fashion the parking restrictions and laws that currently exist.

"There are serious parking and road safety problems and we are committed to addressing these. By rigorous enforcement, we aim to reduce traffic congestion and improve access to shops, offices and other premises."

Profits from the fines will be spent on local transport schemes such as road safety measures and the promotion of cycling and public transport.