POLICE are today cracking down on selfish motorists who double park their cars.

They are calling in the tow-away squad to remove vehicles blocking streets in Hove.

More than one-in-six calls to Hove police relate to town centre traffic problems.

Asimilar crackdown last summer resulted in 405 cars being ticketed and 54 cars being towed away.

Emergency vehicles, attending accidents and fires, have been held up by double-parkers.

The latest crackdown, code-named Operation Access, is being backed by East Sussex Fire Brigade and the Sussex Ambulance Service.

Police Sgt Trevor Sapey said: "The issue of access for emergency vehicles is very serious due to the level of illegally-parked vehicles. We believe our new campaign will encourage safer parking."

Coun Frances Hunt, who represents one of the worst affected areas, Brunswick and Adelaide, said: "I wish the police were able to keep a constantly high level of traffic wardens. But that doesn't seem to be possible, so surprise tactics are the next best thing.

"So many visitors park badly in Brunswick that residents at times don't have anywhere to go.

"Visitors and commuters should get the message that it's much better to come in by public transport."

Audrey Simpson, of Brunswick Community Association's parking committee, said she supported a crackdown, adding: "Double-parking is indefensible because it creates risks.

"But the council must take some of the blame for adding to the congestion around here by charging for parking bays in Kingsway."

Aspokeswoman for Brighton and Hove Council said: "Can you think of any other comparable seaside town where visitors don't have to park on the seafront?"

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.