Police force is set to cone it in

The 'No Waiting' cones will be costly to replace, police say

A police force aims to recover hundreds of yellow "No Waiting" cones by offering an amnesty to anyone who has taken one home "as a souvenir".

North Yorkshire Police say hundreds of the distinctive cones have been taken and later turn up on building sites or outside family homes or churches.

Now the force is trying to cut the cost of replacing the plastic cones through a no-questions-asked policy.

Officers said the money needed to replace them could be better spent.

Insp Paul Stephenson said the cones were often loaned to people and businesses for events and used for sectioning off parking areas and access to property.

"Often they don't get returned and end up moonlighting at other sites," he said.

"Some get thrown over hedges or taken home by party-goers.

"It may seem trivial to hold an amnesty for their return, but they will cost the force and taxpayers a lot of money to replace them, money which could be better spent on other things."