FOOTBALL fans who resorted to parking on the A12 bridge ahead of the U’s friendly against West Ham have been handed fines.

Some 64 drivers arriving for Saturday’s friendly were caught out as three wardens patrolled the area during the game, which the U’s lost 2-1.

Official match day car parking was sold out by Friday, so motorists decided to park on the roundabout in United Way, as well as on the A12 bridge, at junction 28.

A North Essex Parking Partnership spokesman said parking teams would be especially vigilant on match days this season. She said: “Following high levels of non-compliance at the beginning of last season, more signs were installed, including clearway signs and ‘parking enforcement in operation’ signs to make motorists aware of the patrols.”

The spoksman said the club and Colchester Council had website sections advising visiting fans about stadium travel and no-stopping restrictions.

She added: “We have worked to advertise and encourage those visiting the stadium to park within the correct parking provisions available.

“We will maintain a consistent approach to enforcement in this area over the course of the upcoming season in the hope of educating persistent offenders.”

One resident, who lives nearby, said: “The parking by fans at the stadium is dangerous.

“They are blocking the road, the footpaths and the cycle routes and God forbid there are children out playing on a Saturday afternoon.

“The fans don’t care about the residents, so from our point of view, it is good to see the wardens on the streets.”