COUNCIL bosses say they make no apology for their parking wardens targetting cars parked in a dealership's parking lot.

A number of vehicles at Essex Car Sales, at London Road, Leigh, were issued with fines this morning by Southend Council wardens.

Echo:

Now, Andrew Moring, cabinet member for infrastructure, has said: “Following numerous complaints from residents and businesses, a number of cars belonging to a car dealership were issued with Penalty Charge Notices.

"The cars that have been issued with notices were encroaching on public footpaths and therefore left the officers with little choice."

Echo:

He added: "These tickets in particular were issued as part of a planned operation between the council, APCOA and Essex police, due to the high volume of complaints from surrounding residents and businesses, varying from threatening behaviour, cars blocking public footpaths, cars taking up limited waiting bays and parking on double yellow lines whilst covering number plates to prevent notices being issued.

Echo:

"We are pleased with the outcome of this excellent partnership work and we hope other businesses who do not consider the needs of other businesses and residents will take note.”

The Echo has made several attempts to contact the owner of Essex Car Sales but has not received a response.