City of York Council's Housing team is looking to crack down on motorists who flout parking rules on its land.

Members of the council's advisory Panel for Housing and Adult Social Services will be asked to approve plans to appoint an independent parking enforcement contractor for an 18 month trial period, at their meeting on 29 October.

Opportunist parking on sites of land owned by Housing Services, but not governed by highways enforcement has, over recent years, become an increasing concern, leading to problems for both tenants and garage renters, The key problem is that legitimate users are unable to access the garages or parking spaces that they have paid for.

The police are unable to assist as no laws are being broken and the council's highways team has no enforcement powers over the land.

Following consultation with tenants and residents' federations, councillors will be asked to approve plans to display warning signs informing people if the consequences of unauthorised parking on Housing owned-land. If the proposals are approved, the sites would be subject to random patrols by uniformed staff. Offending vehicles would be issued with a civil fixed penalty charge of £30, with up to 14 days to par. The service would operate at no cost to the council other than a one off set up charge per site of £50-£300.

It is hoped that the proposals would make it easier for garage renters and tenants to access their parking spaces and garages.