AN ELECTRONIC voice is issuing warnings to motorists when they park in Basingstoke.

Two talking parking units are the latest weapon being trialled in the fight against crime in the borough.

The special audio devices work on motion sensors. One warns motorists not to leave valuables on display in their vehicles and the other not to use disabled parking spaces if they are not entitled to. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is one of only two councils in the country taking part in the 12-month pilot project which is costing £5,000.

One of the units, manufactured by SFX Technologies, has been installed next to the ticket machine in Central Car Park in the town centre, and another near the disabled bays outside the Odeon cinema at Basingstoke Leisure Park.

The recorded message in Central Car Park tells drivers they are in a safe car park but reminds them not to leave valuables on display.

And at the Odeon, the message is “Please do not park in this area unless you are displaying a valid disabled driver’s parking permit.”

Council chiefs say the devices are another scheme to protect the public and make their car parks as safe and attractive as possible.

Ten of the town centre car parks have already achieved the national Park Mark safer parking award.

Cllr Horace Mitchell, Cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, said: “At a council meeting members were unanimous in condemning the abuse of disabled parking spaces; this is one response to their concerns.”

He added: “Through the economic downturn, police are already reporting an increase in opportunist crimes such as theft from parked cars, so this trial will also encourage drivers to deter such crime.”

If the pilot proves successful, the council will consider rolling the system out to other council-owned car parks across the borough.