PARKING wardens have hit the streets of Largs for the first time since a new enforcement regime came into full effect.

Anyone breaking a host of rules on where and how they can park their vehicle could be issued with a £100 fine, or 'penalty charge notice' under the new regime of decriminalised parking enforcement (DPE).

Following a 'soft launch' throughout the Easter school holidays, which saw warning notices issued rather than tickets, full enforcement of the regulations began on Monday, April 15.

If a PCN is paid within 14 days of being issued, the charge drops from £100 to £50.

The rules which can now be punished by a PCN include parking on double yellow lines, in a disabled bay without a blue badge, on the pavement, in a bus stop or taxi rank, and double parking.

In Largs the rule of one hour's on-street parking in the town centre is also being enforced.

Councillor Ian Murdoch (Independent, North Coast) said: "It is now a reality and is in force.

"I have several concerns about aspects of its introduction which I have raised with the council.

"I drove and walked around Largs on the first day, and there did seem to be a lot more spaces, and loading spaces were more free than they were, but it is difficult to tell whether it has made a significant difference until we get better weather and a good weekend.

"I saw the wardens operating in the town yesterday in the late afternoon, but if we are now going to have these new rules in force, I think it is important we get consistency everywhere."

For more information and for details on where to park in North Ayrshire, please visit www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/parking.

Unpaid PCNs will incur a 50 per cent surcharge and will be passed to sheriff's officers for debt recovery.