MARKET traders are calling for a ‘drop off and collection zone’ to help drivers pick up shopping without getting parking tickets.

They claim a parking crackdown by Kirklees Council’s video van is deterring shoppers from the Brook Street open market

But council officials insist the dozens of tickets they have sent out to people caught near the market are justified.

The video van, which began work in May, has already trapped twice as many motorists as expected.

The van was expected to trap 1,500 motorists in its first 12 months but in just seven months has caught 1,950.

And at £70 a time, that brings in a lot of money for the council.

The measure was introduced for use across the district to clamp down on motorists who park on zigzag lines outside schools, or in loading bays, bus stops and double yellow lines.

But market trader Christine McGawley told the Examiner: “I have been extremely alarmed over the last six months by the aggressive vigilance of the roving video van, which drives past the market every five minutes, with the sole aim of targeting any car which stops on yellow lines for more than sometimes seconds to collect a purchase.

“In the last month alone I know countless motorists who have fallen victim to this tactic.”

Mrs McGawley, who has run a greengrocers’ stall in the market for 30 years, said a drop off and collection point could be one way to help prevent shoppers being caught out and ensure trade is not adversely affected.

She added: “We have loading times for traders but we need some flexibility for shoppers who want to collect items.

“These fines are having a massive affect on those who shop here.”

Fellow trader Kevin Day, who sells household goods, said: “Within minutes of someone parking up there is a video van round.”

Kirklees Council said the van, which has a camera fitted to the roof, could raise around £100,000 a year in catching inconsiderate parkers.

But motorists tend to be unaware they have been caught parking illegally until the £70 fine lands on their doormats.

A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “The video van route varies each day and is determined by known problem areas and requests from local people to visit certain places.

“Traffic regulations, including those for loading bays, need to be enforced for the benefit of all motorists.

“The council has a strong commitment to supporting local business – our anti-recession strategies have won national and regional praise – and we discourage motorists from parking illegally as this can deter potential customers.

“The vehicle is doing an effective job across the district and the initiative has been well-received generally by local people.”

The council confirmed since the parking van’s operation 1,950 notices had been issued, with around 60 in the last week.