TOUGHER enforcement of parking restrictions are due to come into effect tomorrow (Thursday, May 30) in North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire County Council is tomorrow taking over responsibility for enforcing parking restrictions in the county from the police.

It will be carried out by Scarborough Borough Council in Ryedale, Hambleton, Richmondshire and Scarborough, whilst Harrogate Borough Council will police the restrictions in Craven, Selby and Harrogate.

The new arrangement is likely to particularly impact on Northallerton, where there is currently little or no enforcement, leading to many commuters parking in time restricted zones all day on the High Street or nearby residential streets.

Anybody found to be breaching the parking restrictions will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice.

The penalty will be £70 for parking where waiting, stopping or loading is prohibited. Over-staying in a designated parking area will lead to a charge of £50.