MOTORISTS who park in "stupid" places near a hospital were today issued with a get tough message from police who blasted: "We will tow you away".

Drivers have been warned that inconsiderate parking on street corners near Blackburn Royal Infirmary could result in their vehicles being towed away.

Police have started the crackdown in the Infirmary area in response to a series of minor accidents caused by views being blocked by parked cars.

And officers have promised to be "particularly strict" in enforcing their new policy on match days at Ewood Park when parking problems in the area are made worse.

In 1998 hospital staff signed a petition complaining to the council about the decision to introduce charges at the Ivy Street car park. But soon after charges were introduced Infirmary Street residents complained that parking problems in the area were becoming worse than ever.

Inspector Steve Haworth said: "Drivers should be aware that they risk having their car towed away if they park in a stupid place at a junction.

"Two cars were towed away at the weekend for doing just that and a number of drivers were given fixed penalty fines. We will make it a costly exercise for inconsiderate motorists.

"There have been a number of accidents in the area which we believe were caused by this very problem.

"One accident could have proved to be fatal if the car involved had been travelling a bit faster. This is a very serious matter."

Police plan to warn football fans that their clampdown will be stringent on match days by publishing warnings in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph on the previous day.

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