PARKING ambassadors will be patrolling Salisbury's streets in the evenings in a bid to crack down on motorists who illegally park.

Currently the team, which is known for its tough enforcement of parking restrictions, only works until 6pm, with those who breach the rules at night often avoiding a fine.

But the council says there is plenty of free parking in the city after 6pm and is vowing to get tough on owners who leave their cars on double yellow lines, too close to junctions, blocking bus stops or in disabled bays without permits.

The existing ambassadors will be offered overtime to patrol the city in teams of two from 6 to 10pm.

They will target problem areas, roads chosen at random and public transport routes following concerns raised by Wilts and Dorset about illegal parking hampering access to buses.

Portfolio holder for transport and the environment, Cllr Dennis Brown insisted the move would increase safety and ensure a better flow of traffic through the city.

"Unfortunately there is a small minority of drivers who are selfishly parking where it is most convenient for them without giving a thought to everyone else - and at the moment they think they can get away with it," he said.

"There is absolutely no need for it, as there is ample free parking in the city in the evening and at weekends.

"This is not a revenue raising exercise, in fact it will cost us money to increase the hours of our ambassadors, but it is our duty to ensure the safety of other road users and make sure disabled people can park in bays especially designated for them, that the roads are not blocked for the emergency services and that bus passengers can get safely on to and off their buses."

The council will be publicising the start date of the extra patrols and motorists who illegally park will receive warning notices first.

"We will give plenty of warning before we introduce the first evening patrols and, in the first instance, drivers will receive a warning note.

"However motorists who persistently ignore the restrictions will then receive penalty charge notices," added Cllr Brown.