PERSISTENT problem parkers in York could face losing their vehicles under tough new "three strikes and you're out" traffic warden powers.

Under the new powers, the council's parking department could clamp cars whose owners persistently refuse to fork out for parking tickets.

Any repeat offender whose vehicle is deemed to be causing a hazard could see it towed away and held in a council compound.

Any driver who collects three or more unpaid tickets in six months on the city's streets or in council-run car parks is classed as a repeat offender.

Peter Evely, City of York Council's head of network management, said more than 500 parking tickets have gone unpaid since October 2000.

Lost income due to persistent offenders has been put at about £27,000.

Those owing the money are often untraceable as they have not registered as the vehicle's keeper with the DVLA.

Mr Evely said: "Clearly there is a loophole which needs to be addressed as such drivers are effectively circumventing the regulations that all other law abiding drivers have to obey. "Clamping these offenders will enable the true owner to be identified, through a requirement to provide proof of ownership and residency before the vehicle is released, and hence the outstanding penalty charge notice (parking ticket) payments collected."

Some motorists living in parts of York with a residents' parking permit system were concerned by the proposals.

Cath Smithson, of Queen Anne's Road, Bootham, said the proposals seemed "excessive."

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said new powers should be directed towards making communities more secure.

"Our car was broken into just six days after we bought it. Give the traffic wardens powers to monitor people committing the crime, instead of clamping people," she said.

Elinor Gibbon, of Neville Terrace, The Groves, said: "They are just doing their jobs and I don't really have a problem with the permit system.

"But they can be quite unforgiving and give you a ticket if you forget to put a visitor permit in a visitors car. What if they clamped your friend or the doctor?".

An AA spokeswoman said: "We would call on the council to make a commitment that they will be targeting persistent offenders only. If we hear differently then we will be taking the matter up with the council. Our experience in London shows the powers can be used indiscriminately and as a money-making scheme."

City council transport chiefs are set to give the green light to the plans. They will be discussed by executive member Ann Reid and the transport advisory panel at The Guildhall on Wednesday, June 4, from 5pm.

Updated: 10:58 Thursday, May 29, 2003