Councils take on parking patrols

The council said any extra money raised will go towards improving roads

Councils in Derbyshire are to take over parking enforcement from the police, it has been announced.

The county council along with the district and borough councils will take over the responsibility on 19 February.

Parking officers will issue £50 or £70 fines, depending on the offence. These will be halved if the charges are paid within 14 days.

The county council said the money raised from fines will pay for the parking service and road improvements.

Councillor Brian Lucas, cabinet member for environmental services, said: "We are relieved that we have finally been given the go ahead from the government to start this important work.

"Safe and sensible parking leads to improved safety for drivers and pedestrians across Derbyshire."

"From 19 February there will be more parking officers out and about than ever before. So if you park where you should not then it's highly likely that you'll get a ticket".