SCORES of parking tickets have been handed out in Portishead High Street since the introduction of new parking regulations 12 months ago.

New parking restrictions, along with signs, were installed as part of a project to resurface the High Street which was completed last February.

The work, which took a month to complete, included repairs to the road surface, footpaths and drainage pipes, adding raised crossing points and changing the zebra crossings and on-street parking. In the last 12 months, since the introduction of the new regulations, police have issued 174 penalty notices with £30 fines.

Up until a year ago, drivers got away with parking on single yellow lines without receiving a penalty ticket – because the relevant signs warning motorists that it was prohibited were not in place.

Under Road Traffic Act regulations it states signs warning of the restrictions must be in place for police to issue tickets to anyone parking on a single yellow line. The same rule does not apply to double yellow lines with officers able to ticket anyone found parking on them illegally.

Portishead has not had a dedicated traffic warden for the town for the last six years, with parking enforcement the responsibility of the police.

New signs were put up and fresh yellow lines painted along the High Street. It meant police community support officers have been able to enforce the restrictions.

Portishead Police Sergeant Jim Robinson said:"We hope the fear of being ticketed will act as a deterrent to stop people parking badly, illegally or inconsiderately in the town."