A scheme to encourage considerate parking has been launched in Abbots Langley after fears were raised by a concerned councillor.

The Abbots Langley Safer Neighbourhood Team said it regularly received reports about vehicles which residents believe have been parked in a dangerous or obstructive manner, and the issue was also raised at a recent Parish Council meeting by Abbots Langley Councillor Sara Bedford.

Cllr Bedford said: “I have raised the issue of obstructive pavement parking with the police many times over the past couple of years. Vehicles blocking the pavement force pedestrians to walk in the road and for elderly and disabled people, and those with children, this can be dangerous.”

The sheer number of calls about "inconsiderate" rather than "dangerous" parking was also making it difficult for officers to deal with other local issues.

To tackle the issue, the Abbots Langley police team have set up a new reporting scheme.

PC David Herring, who initiated the scheme, said: "We will always take action when we come across vehicles whilst out on patrol, however we cannot be everywhere, all of the time. We are piloting a new scheme whereby we're asking people to take a photo of the offending vehicle and email it to us so that we can assess it and judge whether police action needs to be taken against the owner of the vehicle.”

The owners of offending vehicles will be sent a warning letter and, if appropriate, a PSCO will speak to them. Motorists who consistently park their vehicles in a dangerous manner will be issued with a £50 fine.

PC Herring said: "Of course, if you do see a vehicle which is a dangerous obstruction, such as one which is blocking the highway, or could pose a danger to pedestrians or other road users, please call police immediately and we will attend."

Cllr Bedford added: “I am pleased that the local police have now agreed to act and hope that this will see a real difference for pedestrians in Abbots Langley. I urge residents to send details of such vehicles and to let me know if the service is a success.”

A maximum of two images of the suspected offending vehicle can be emailed directly to the Abbots Langley Safer Neighbourhood Team via parking-abbotslangley@herts.pnn.police.uk.

Only one report is to be sent per email, and the information sent with the image must state the date, time and exact location of the vehicle the image relates to.