RESIDENTS are calling on the council to do more to tackle illegal parking after the busy weekend.

An East Cliff resident has proposed alternative ways the council could tackle the issue as she says ‘the fines are far too low.’

Barbara Bird said: “The council put cones on the East Cliff and on Saturday morning there was no parking and the cones worked and then after lunch, one person parked their car right on, on that double yellow line.

“And sure enough others followed and there were probably about six or seven cars by 4pm. It just takes one person to park and then the others all get the idea. And exactly the same thing happened yesterday.

Read more: 'Parking fines need to be more expensive in BCP area'

“They need to have somebody who's going and looking for these cars, you know, cause the minute there's one car, if they find them, it might put the others off, it might act as a deterrent. So they need to catch them quickly.

“I think they also need to have big signs saying tow away zone at appropriate times of the “They could also consider just closing the road and only allowing buses and residents and emergency vehicles.

“I know the council's looking into it but you know, the fines are far too low. If the fine is under 200 pounds, some of these people are going to take the risk anyway.

“It's quite worrying because the emergency services have to get by. It does worry me that somebody could be ill or there could be a fire and the services can't get through for myself and other people.”

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “During the very busy recent heatwave the council has continued its efforts to tackle illegal parking.

“The emergency Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) used to enable officers to issue parking fines on sight was used to speed up enforcement and will continue until the end of the high season in the East Overcliff Drive area.

“The council’s Civil Enforcement Officers were very busy throughout the weekend issuing nearly 1,400 parking fines (PCNs), overseeing the towaway of vehicles that were causing dangerous obstructions and of course welcoming and helping visitors to find their way.

“We welcome all visitors to our beautiful area and would like to thank the majority who arrived by car for parking safely or for using the Kings Park, Park and Ride Service.

“For those planning to visit the area by car we urge you to use the Park and Ride, or to park safely in one of our many car parks, by following signs or using the Beach App.

“Whatever you do, please don’t park irresponsibly so that public bus services can’t operate and routes for emergency vehicles are blocked.”

“The council will continue to review its operations with its partners to try and improve services for the public and to create a safer environment for all.”