IRRESPONSIBLE drivers who insist on churning up flowers by parking on grass verges will be fined.

The North Essex Parking Partnership has announced it has introduced a new temporary traffic regulation order in Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, to stop motorists parking on the verges and churning up the ground.

If they flout the order they will receive a £70 penalty.

Concerns have been raised over the number of vehicles parked in the unrestricted areas of Cowdray Avenue.

While they were not breaking any rules, they were causing an inconvenience and damaging the grass verges, including the spectacular daffodil display.

The temporary restriction includes waiting restrictions and is now in place.

It runs from the Albert roundabout on Cowdray Avenue to the Greenstead roundabout on St Andrew’s Avenue.

Notices have been placed along the route to advise drivers they should not park on the verge.

Darius Laws, (Con) councillor for Castle Ward, took it upon himself recently to slap motorists parking inconsiderately with yellow cards on their windscreens down Cowdray Avenue after being told they weren’t breaking any rules.

Yesterday, he welcomed the new order.

He said: “I’m pleased the borough parking management gurus are getting to grips with this.

“It’s perfect timing with the imminent arrival of our daffodils.

“Parking on verges isn’t just unsightly it has safety implications and hopefully it will now stop.”

The order will be monitored and can remain in place for up to 18 months during which time it can be made permanent.

Robert Mitchell, chairman of the North Essex Parking Partnership, said: “We are pleased to have been able to work in partnership with the local authorities and communities to come up with a solution to the parking issues in Cowdray Avenue.

“The timing is also perfect to help protect this year’s daffodil display along that stretch of road.

“The parking partnership aims to ensure parking across north Essex is safe, fair and of a consistent standard.

“We hope that this order will protect our valuable green spaces from inconsiderate parking.”