Crowds watch first car being towed away

A large crowd gathered to watch the operation in Western Road on Saturday.

It was the first tow-away since a blitz on rogue car parkers was launched three weeks ago.

A white Peugeot 405 was spotted illegally parked on Thursday last week.

Police say a fixed penalty ticket issued that day was ignored.

The tow-away was part of the Clearer Streets initiative.

The scheme sets out to free parking spaces for shoppers by enforcing the frequently ignored two-hour parking limit.

The campaign was backed by a "Coming soon to a street near you - lifted!" leaflet drop.

It warned that drivers over-staying the regulations faced a 40 fixed penalty ticket plus a 105 tow-away fee and a trip to a pound at either Eastbourne or Cripps Corner to recover their vehicle - for which there would be a 12-a-day storage charge.

Much of the blame for blocked parking spaces has been put on rogue traders who park all day near their premises.

Ian Standley, who represented the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, when traders put their concerns about Bexhill's parking problem to town MP Greg Barker, said: "The chamber and businesses are pleased with the outcome of the recent enforcement of the traffic regulations; the end result being that we now have vacant spaces available in Bexhill, making parking easier and Bexhill town centre more attractive again.

"The comment we are receiving from traders and the public is that they are pleased to see the police - not only to deal with parking but a general police presence in the town again.

"It is giving comfort and security to the residents."