SELFISH drivers have been put off parking carelessly around a village railway station after a police crackdown. The threat of cars being towed away and fines has reduced the number of motorists leaving their cars in the crowded residential streets around

SELFISH drivers have been put off parking carelessly around a village railway station after a police crackdown.The threat of cars being towed away and fines has reduced the number of motorists leaving their cars in the crowded residential streets around Yatton Railway Station.Residents complained the cars blocked their driveways, caused congestion and obscured the view of motorists at busy junctions. The problems began when free parking was withdrawn from the station.Community beat officer Andy Bibbings painted his own yellow lines around junctions near the station to try to stop motorists parking there.He has handed out tickets with fines to motorists who have continued to park selfishly and is threatening to tow away repeat offenders.PC Bibbings is also planning to re-form the village's Local Action Team (LAT) to help tackle the parking problems.He said: "The yellow lines have had a profound effect as very few people are parking in the wrong places now."I think it is generally local people who park badly there and I think they should know better."People who have continued to break the rules and park on the yellow lines have been handed tickets. If they continue to do so then the cars will be towed."I will also be approaching the relevant train companies to see if some compromise can be made about re-instating free parking at the station."The LAT has been dormant for some time and I'm looking to re-form it and use the group to tackle the problem because it is an issue that affects a lot of people in the village."It stems from people who are running late, parking their cars in the easiest spot despite the fact that it is dangerous."Anyone who is interested in joining the LAT should call parish clerk Xanne Blythe on 01934 838150.