EARLY-BIRD parking inspectors have been issuing tickets to motorists parked on double yellow lines in Trowbridge as early as 6am on Sundays, residents claim.

Families from the Newtown area are tired of battling for a parking space outside their own homes as more people seek free parking in the wake of increases in car parking charges.

Some residents say they have returned to home on Saturday evenings and parked partially on a double yellow to squeeze their vehicle in a space close to their home, aiming to move it on Sunday morning.

But Sharon Draper, chairman of the Newtown Residents Association, said they were being caught out by inspectors who had turned up after 10pm on Saturdays and as early as 6am on Sundays.

Mrs Draper said: “Parking problems here have become a hot issue in recent months. More people want to park here since the charges went up. The council already agreed to remove some of the double yellows to free up a bit of space, but they are still issuing fines even if it’s just a back wheel on the lines. We feel as if we are being targeted.”

One parking inspector was caught on camera parking his Wiltshire Council vehicle on double yellow lines while he issued residents with tickets. Mike Turvey, of West Street, took a picture of the incident.

He said: “These guys are parking up on double yellow lines and slapping a £70 parking tickets on our cars before driving off – all for the cause of serving the community.

“Sometimes there is nowhere to park so we are forced to park on the yellow lines until a space appears.

“We were promised nearly three years ago by the council that they would ease the parking problem by removing many of the double yellow lines but the council see us as a cash cow.”

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “We carry out patrols in the community throughout the day to ensure motorists park responsibly and do not obstruct roads.

“We have a duty to ensure Traffic Regulation Orders are observed and, where necessary, enforced. Parking officers have been instructed not to park on double yellow lines, even though they are legally allowed to do so.

“We want people to have more influence on issues like double yellow lines on roads in their communities. We would therefore encourage people to contact their local area board so they can help make positive changes in their towns and villages.”