A CRACKDOWN on car parking abuse has seen an increased number of people in court over the last six months.

Thirty-eight offenders had failed to pay parking fines after over staying their welcome in Hambleton District Council disc parking spaces.

The parking fines are set to be increased by £10 to £40, with an extra charge of £20 for late payment.

Court action is only taken if the fine is not paid.

The district council provides free parking across Hambleton, with almost 2,250 long and short stay spaces in the market towns of Northallerton, Stokesley, Easingwold, Bedale and Thirsk.

Most spaces are restricted to two hours in the disc zones, apart from at the Hambleton Forum car park in Northallerton where there is a three-hour limit.

Head of technical services David McGloin said people should be considerate and not abuse the free parking system.

He said: "Despite the wealth of spaces, and the fact that the parking is free - some people still over stay their welcome and spoil the availability of spaces for other users."

"Ultimately we will take court action to stop these offenders which is costly for them. And our initial fines are rising to £40. This is the first increase in charges since 1999."

The increase in the parking fine comes into effect today.