DISABLED drivers have been threatened with fixed penalty notices if they cause obstructions when parking in Wisbech market place. Illegal parking by blue-badge holders in Hill Street will also be targeted, as police clamp down on motorists who cause probl

DISABLED drivers have been threatened with fixed penalty notices if they cause obstructions when parking in Wisbech market place.

Illegal parking by blue-badge holders in Hill Street will also be targeted, as police clamp down on motorists who cause problems in the town centre.

Sgt Dave Bax said: "Fines will be given to disabled drivers who cause an obstruction at any junction in the Market Place or park illegally in Hill Street.

"PCSOs and PCs have the ability to obtain photographs of offending vehicles and will use this process to support their evidence against drivers who decide to park illegally."

He added: "Where able, officers will check with blue badge holders to ensure the person who has the badge is with the vehicle."

All motorists who park inconsiderately in the town centre will be targeted, with three problem areas identified for extra patrols. They are:

• Parking on double-yellow lines in Blackfriars Road, Old Market and around the town centre.

• Parking incorrectly or illegally in The Crescent and Bridge Street.

• Parking in the pedestrian area of the Market Place, which is only permitted for permit holders, loading or unloading and disabled badge holders.

Sgt Bax said: "Officers will note times of vehicles seen in The Crescent and Bridge Street and if they don't have a blue badge or a permit and are not loading or unloading they will receive a fixed penalty notice.

"If you are one of the majority of law abiding motorists then you have nothing to worry about, if not you could be receiving a fixed penalty notice."

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Rules around use of the blue badge:

• Badge holders can park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, except where there is a ban on loading or unloading.

• The blue badge and parking disc must show the time of arrival.

• Badge holders can park for free and for an unlimited time at on-street parking meters and pay-and-display machines, unless there is a traffic sign specifying a time limit for holders of blue badges.

• Badges can only be used for the benefit of badge holders. If a trip is for someone else and the badge holder is a passenger and staying in the vehicle, the badge cannot be used.

• Blue badges must be displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle with the side showing the wheelchair symbol facing forward. Badges should be removed from view when the parking concessions are not being used.

• It is an offence if people other than the badge holder take advantage of the parking concessions provided under the scheme. The maximum fine if convicted of misuse is �1,000, plus any additional penalty for the related parking offence.