HIGH visibility traffic attendants took to the streets of Welwyn Hatfield this week as the district council finally took over responsibility for parking enforcement.

The new attendants replace traffic wardens, who were withdrawn in April 2004 by police.

Since then drivers have been able to take advantage of the parking amnesty as the council has struggled to take over enforcement.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have since been given powers to hand out parking tickets, but limited patrols mean drivers have often been able to get away scot-free.

Councillor Mandy Perkins said: "We have been working hard in preparation for this day.

"The powers were only recently granted after a lengthy process, "The service will be an improvement from the current provision provided by Police Community Support Officers and residents should see an increase in patrols.

"However, the service has not been designed to be a money-making scheme.

"The patrols will be at the same level provided by the old traffic warden service and the council is unlikely to make a profit.

"We are not here to catch people out and make money, but enforce the parking restrictions that are there to benefit everyone.

"Without these restrictions and enforcement, the economic viability and quality of towns and villages suffers."

Attendants will issue tickets to anyone caught illegally parking on single and double yellow lines, loading bays, bays designated for the disabled and time limits in short-term parking areas.

Vehicles causing an obstruction on the highway or parked near pedestrian crossings will still remain the responsibility of police.

Those caught breaking rules will be served a £60 penalty charge notice (PCN) by the new attendants. However, if payment is made within 14 days, the charge is reduced to £30.

The new enforcement powers mean the council can now introduce Controlled Parking Zones to reduce residential parking problems.

A priority list of areas to be looked at was agreed earlier this year.

The first to be investigated is south Hatfield.

"Any scheme we introduce will be carefully considered.

"Extensive consultation with residents will be carried out before introducing a controlled zone.

"We must make sure we get it right," added Councillor Perkins.