Rotherham Council seizes 25 cars for illegal parking

Vehicles can be impounded if there are more than three unpaid penalty charge notices against them

A council has seized 25 vehicles for being illegally parked in South Yorkshire during the past six months.

One Vauxhall Zafira with six unpaid penalty charge notices was crushed after it was found to be parked illegally, Rotherham Council said.

Councillor Denise Lelliott said inconsiderate parking in disabled bays was a problem for blue badge holders.

She said the local authority is "dedicated to safer roads and keeping them clear of problem parking".

Drivers who repeatedly park illegally would have to pay a fine or see their vehicle crushed, she said.

Rotherham Council impounded 57 vehicles that were subject to 345 unpaid fines in total over a year since April 2022.

A car can be seized if there are more than three unpaid penalty charge notices issued against it.

'Persistent offenders'

Ms Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said: "Inconsiderate parking is not exclusive to our town or town centre, but our staff are working hard to prevent persistent offenders and tow away their vehicles."

Tracy Simmons, manager of Parkgate Mobility, said: "Many of our customers are blue badge holders and they often say that the abuse of blue badge parking bays is a real problem."

Since April, 25 vehicles have been impounded by the council, two of which have been crushed.