Douglas Council has announced it is taking robust action against car owners who overstay or abandon their vehicles in its car parks.

Council leader David Christian said: 'The police and residents have become increasingly concerned over growing incidences of abandoned vehicles. They are not only unsightly and represent a potential hazard but also deprive others of parking spaces.'

The local authority has strengthened its enforcement powers with a ?100 excess parking charge, reduced to ?50 if paid within 14 days, in a new car park order.

Mr Christian said: 'The order was last reviewed in 2003 so there was a clear and urgent need to update it and for it extend to Council-owned car parks off the public highway such as those serving our housing estates, Douglas golf course, Pulrose and Anagh stores and more out-of-the way sites such as Queen Street and Ridgeway Street Lane.'

Mr Christian said he was sure residents would welcome the local authority's determination to take robust action against offenders.

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