DELIVERY drivers who cause obstructions in York city centre will receive warning tickets under a new campaign launched on Friday.

The 'Room to Move?' cards seek to highlight the dangers caused by lorries driving and parking inappropriately and come as a response to two recent incidents in York.

York Press:

In August, a lorry collided with the Pyramid Gallery in Stonegate, above, having mounted the pavement to get round a parked car and left a pile of rubble on the ground.

A month later, a Poundworld delivery vehicle got stuck under the canopy outside Monsoon and Next in Coney Street, blocking the street for an hour.

York Press:

From December, drivers caught breaking traffic rules will be given a warning 'ticket'. as enforcement is stepped up.

Should they re-offend they could be given a real Penalty Charge Notice by North Yorkshire Police or City of York Council.

The campaign is a collaboration between the police, the council and York Retail Forum.

York Press:

A driver is warned in Stonegate

Cllr Ian Gillies, executive member for transport and planning, said: “We’ve listened to businesses and residents and agree that we can do more to help make our city centre safer.

“We simply can’t have a repeat of the lorries driving into shops on Stonegate and Coney Street, damaging our historic buildings and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to businesses through loss of income and repairs.

"In the busy lead up to Christmas we want to attract shoppers to our city centre, not make it less inviting with vehicles obstructing the footpaths and the roads.”

The new campaign, which follows a call for action from retailers and businesses, urges drivers to be careful and considerate of pedestrians, businesses and other vehicles.

Inspector Andy Godfrey, of York Police, said: “This campaign is about educating delivery drivers, making sure they understand that inconsiderate and inappropriate parking in York city centre puts pedestrians, motorists and businesses at risk.

“We will be working in partnership with City of York Council to monitor and take action against those who continue to ignore our warnings, ensuring our city centre is safe for everyone, particularly during the busy Christmas period.”