HIGHWAYS chiefs are warning motorists who think they can take liberties with their parking during lockdown they will be facing £70 fines.

Cheshire East Council is urging motorists to park legally and considerately after seeing a rise in illegal and irresponsible parking during the pandemic.

There are concerns that vehicles responding to 999 calls could be prevented from accessing emergencies or getting the injured and sick to hospital.

Parking chiefs say the problem is on the rise across the whole borough and not just at usual hotspots in town centres and at visitor attractions.

The council is due to carry out a review of parking policies in the coming months as part of its new local transport plan when the issue of motorists parking on pavements - which is the subject of a review by the government - will be tackled.

Cllr Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, stressed: "Lockdown does not mean people have a licence to park illegally or irresponsibly. I would urge people to stick to the rules, show consideration for others and help our emergency services to do their fantastic and critically important work unhindered.

"There is also a real concern that access by emergency services vehicles is being inhibited and even prevented, putting people's lives at risk.

"Inconsiderate and irresponsible parking is causing difficulties for residents, pedestrians, people with disabilities or with prams, and other road users, as well as businesses and our emergency services.

"Some people have complained of finding their driveways blocked, leaving them unable to get in or out of their own home."

Anyone convicted of parking illegally faces a fine of up to £70. To report illegal parking contact the council's parking enforcement team on: [email protected] or call 0300 123 5020.