COUNCIL chiefs are cracking down on York motorists who illegally cone-off parking spaces in front of their homes.

Highways chiefs at City of York Council are warning drivers that they could face prosecution if they continue to obstruct roads.

Officers had to remove several cones from outside properties in Longfield Terrace, earlier this week.

The Bootham street is one of the few in the area not to be completely controlled by residents' parking permits. It sees a lot of traffic as it is home to a number of guest houses.

Alistair Briggs, of the council's highways section, said letters would be going out to the owners of properties next to where the cones were.

He said that placing cones in the road, obstructing other vehicles from parking, was illegal and would be dealt with accordingly - depending on the seriousness of the obstruction. Persistent offenders could even face prosecution if they ignore council letters and orders.

"Several cones were removed from Longfield Terrace earlier this week and a letter will be sent to the owners of the properties adjacent to where the cones were to explain why the action was taken," Mr Briggs said.

"The residents' parking schemes allow residents a greater opportunity to park on streets than non-residents.

"However, it does not guarantee a parking space, let alone reserve a space outside a person's property.

"Anyone who places an object in the highway is creating an obstruction which the highway authority has a duty to deal with.

"Depending on the seriousness of the obstruction there are a number of ways that the highway authority can tackle the problem."

Updated: 10:31 Saturday, March 08, 2003