DRIVERS dumping their cars on street corners could wake to find parking tickets on their windscreens, a councillor has warned.

A partnership between Lancashire Police and Blackburn with Darwen Parking Services will see mobile patrols observing traffic to curb irresponsible driving and irresponsible parking that can put other road users and pedestrians at risk.

Blackburn with Darwen Council environment boss Cllr Jim Smith said overnight operations would take place throughout October to crack down on the practice.

“People just dump their cars all over the shop and they can make it impossible for ambulances and fire engines to get past,” he said.

“We get so many complaints from residents that you can’t get round at night safely.

“We have had reports that a minority of people are making the roads unsafe for others in our towns thanks to risky and unsafe driving and parking practices.

“This can cause accidents and make driving very unpleasant and dangerous for other road users. I want to warn people that we will be keeping a very careful eye on any thoughtless or risky driving and we will take serious action.

“Pulling out into the road when you can’t see because a car is parked on the edge of a street is dangerous and we want to clamp down on it.

“These people will wake up in the morning to a parking fine and hopefully it will help the problem.”

Cllr Smith said the council usually carries out overnight enforcement operations in partnership with police once every six months but was looking to step up the frequency, starting this month.

Blackburn Neighbourhood Team Sgt Jon Cisco said the vast majority of drivers were considerate and safe but there was a small minority who parked inconsiderately.