BAD citizenship is hampering attempts to keep York terraced streets tidy as many householders fail to move their cars for council cleaning.

A progress report on the council's programme of gully, gutter, footpath and back lane cleaning in terraced streets found that some residents were ignoring warning letters and temporary street signs.

As a result their parked vehicles were hit with £30 penalty tickets, while temporary no parking restrictions were in place, and many streets were not cleaned properly.

In total 89 tickets were issued in November, 28 in December and 54 so far this month to motorists who failed to move their vehicles.

This could raise more than £10,000 for council coffers if drivers fail to pay up within 14 days as the fine rises to £60, but city leaders are more worried about the effect on dirty streets and gutters.

Coun Irene Waudby, who chairs the scrutiny group, said: "I think more people are starting to move their cars out of the way, but we need all of them out of the way. It is only for a few hours.

"I don't think people understand the need for the cleaning. If we can't get in, the rubbish builds up and can cause problems with flooding."

Streets scheduled to be cleaned are made subject to a temporary traffic order, prohibiting parking on named streets from 9am until noon. "No waiting" cones are put out from 6.30am.

Following a request by members of the scrutiny board, staff looked into the possibility of using vacuum cleaner-style street cleaning machines similar to those used in Amsterdam.

But this idea has been rejected because of concerns about causing damage to parked cars and possible claims against the authority. The machines also work best in dry conditions, which could rule out their use during the winter months.

Coun Waudby said officers were now looking into increasing the notice period given to residents about the cleaning operation.

Commercial Services is also looking into increasing the regularity of refuse collections in terraced streets to improve cleanliness.

Updated: 10:48 Saturday, January 29, 2005