NEW parking measures will see drivers given an extra 10 minutes before they can be hit with a fine.

The news comes as latest figures reveal Warrington Borough Council collected £845,000 from parking charges in 2013-14.

Under new laws aimed at supporting shops, motorists will get a 10 minute grace period preventing fines for being just a few minutes late back to the vehicle.

The use of CCTV ‘spy cars’ has also been banned, there will be new powers for parking adjudicators so they can hold councils to account to tackle parking problems such as poor signage and a 'powerful new right' also enables residents and firms to demand their council reviews parking in their area, including the charges and use of yellow lines.

Tougher rules against heavy-handed action by bailiffs and an end to fines at out-of-order parking meters when there is no alternative way to pay is also being brought in and guidance will also reinforce councils cannot use parking to make a profit.

Eric Pickles, communities secretary ,said: “We are ending the war on drivers who simply want to go about their daily business.

"For too long parking rules have made law-abiding motorists feel like criminals, and caused enormous damage to shops and businesses.

“Over-zealous parking enforcement undermines our town centres and costs councils more in the long term."