A CRACKDOWN on motorists who park cars illegally in estates surrounding Knowsley Road on Saints match nights will take place this Friday.

Drivers who leave cars blocking driveways and parked dangerously in streets ahead of Saints’ Super League clash with Leeds will be handed fines by wardens, St Helens Council chiefs warn.

The decriminalisation of parking has resulted in the local authority taking charge of enforcing where people can and can’t leave cars - and town hall bosses say tomorrow night’s action will be in a direct response to a deluge of complaints from residents.

But the crackdown comes as a storm of protest continues to gather force about how parking regulations are being enforced in and around St Helens town centre.

Bob Hepworth, St Helens Council’s director of Urban Regeneration and Housing, said: “Over the years we have had hundreds of complaints from distressed residents in the Knowsley Road area about people who park blocking driveways and park dangerously making it difficult for residents and visitors alike.

“Road markings are there for a reason and anyone who disregards them are putting pedestrians and drivers at risk of an accident.

“We have issued warnings over the past few weeks so drivers know they run the danger of receiving penalty charge notices if they continue to disregard parking restrictions.”

Council traffic bosses say that it drivers check the signs and road markings and park correctly, they will not be adversely affected.