Drivers who park illegally in town centres and congested areas are being warned they will be caught and fined from next week when Ealing Council steps up its enforcement action.

The Council will use its traffic CCTV cameras to spot motorists who:

• park on zig-zag lines leading to pedestrian crossings
• park in bus stops
• park in bays set out only for businesses to use for loading and unloading.

In the last two weeks, more than 800 people have been caught but the Council has sent warning notices instead of fines.

Councillor Vlod Barczuk, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We are doing this to ensure a free flow of traffic in our town centres as bad parking leads to congestion and makes life worse for motorists.”

Ealing Council already uses its traffic enforcement CCTV cameras to monitor bus lanes and box junctions.

CCTV cameras used for community safety are not and will not be used for traffic enforcement.

The fine for being caught on zig-zag lines, bus stops and loading bays will be £80, or £40 if paid within 14 days. After 1 July, this will rise to £100 and £50, to be brought in line with a new London-wide charging system