Hayley MaceMotorists in Lowestoft are being warned that they could face action from police if they stay in parking spaces for too long.Police officers in the town have recently received a number of complaints about drivers staying in parking bays for longer than permitted.Hayley Mace

Motorists in Lowestoft are being warned that they could face action from police if they stay in parking spaces for too long.

Police officers in the town have recently received a number of complaints about drivers staying in parking bays for longer than permitted.

Now police community support officers are going to be circulating letters to residents and businesses warning them to obey the signs at parking bays.

Sgt Steve Wright from the Lowestoft central safer neighbourhood team said: 'Recently it has been brought to our attention that in several parts of Lowestoft, drivers have taken to parking in timed bays for longer than is specified.

'Some people have also taken to displaying a note in their vehicle telling the officers where they live of are working.

'If there were one-offs then we would try to assist as we fully appreciate the need for people to live and work in these areas, however the tide appears to have turned and this is often now the norm rather than the exception.

'We have had numerous complaints about this behaviour and as a result we are left with no option. With immediate effect, staff who are engaged on traffic duties will not be knocking on doors or finding the owners of vehicles who have gone over their permitted time, but will issue fixed penalty notices.'