Drivers who illegally park in areas reserved for markets could now be towed away after new powers were granted to South Lakeland District Council.

The permission was granted by Cumbria County Council's cabinet and means the powers can be used in areas where vehicles have been found to disrupt market days.

Cabinet members were keen to emphasise that SLDC could only remove vehicles from the agreed sites and between certain

hours.

The ruling also means SLDC can arrange the "immobilisation, storage and disposal" of any vehicle it finds to be obstructing a market from taking place.

Ralph Howard, director of community, economy and environment, told the cabinet some market users had found it difficult and sometimes even impossible to set up because of obstructive vehicles.

The chosen sites are Market Place and Stramongate, Kendal; Market Square, Kirkby Lonsdale; Market Square, Milnthorpe and New Market Street, Market Street and Brogden Street, Ulverston.

Kevan Wilkinson, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said:

"They (the powers) are for specific purposes. This is not a blanket situation, they are quite specific."

The request comes following SLDC's adoption of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement, which it carries out on behalf of the county council.

May 7, 2003 09:00