SHOPPERS visiting Northallerton on market days have been warned they face £35 fines if they park in bays restricted for the market.

Hambleton District Council said an increasing number of people were trying to park in the area from the Town Hall to Zetland Street on the east side of the High Street and to M&Co on the west, with some moving cones put there to stop people parking.

Parking is reserved for market traders in the area on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 5.30am to 6pm.

Since July 1, when extra signage was put in place, 30 fixed penalty tickets have been issued to those parking in the bays without valid market licences.

Clive Thornton, the council’s corporate facilities manager, said: “Although the market is often packed up and away by 5pm we need time to remove waste from the area and clean the bays.

“We do not want to fine people for parking and have increased the signage in the hope that motorists will take heed of the signs and appreciate that the council needs time to clear up after the market and keep the street clean.”