MORE than 70 motorists were issued with fixed penalty notices last night in a crackdown on persistent illegal parking in Bolton town centre.

A team of traffic wardens, traffic police and beat bobbies carried out the blitz on drivers ignoring double yellow lines.

A total of 73 fixed penalties were handed out in the operation which has been launched in response to concerns about a growing number of accidents on the main routes in the town centre.

Vehicles issued with fixed penalties last night included private hire taxis and cars stopped illegally outside fast food take-aways. Sgt Jim Unsworth of Bolton traffic unit said: "The aim of this campaign is to deter drivers from parking where they shouldn't and cutting the number of accidents.

"Persistent offenders have already been advised both verbally and in writing. Taking to the streets and issuing tickets is very much a last resort."

The operation is set to continue with close monitoring of the situation in key locations, particularly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Further blitzes could take place.

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