IT seems absurd that the resignation of one traffic warden should cause such a stir in a town the size of Swindon.

But when you have only two of them then leaving you with just one the situation fails to appear absurd. It becomes ridiculous.

That is why the sooner Swindon Council takes over responsibility for the policing of parking in the town, the better.

Wiltshire Constabulary is interviewing for a second warden following the departure of Sue Booth last month, but drivers remain free to break the law and park where they wish.

And as cars clog the streets, the situation becomes dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Double yellow lines are there for a reason; when people park on them it is an accident is waiting to happen.

Official moves to enable council-appointed wardens to take over the job of monitoring double yellow lines are in the pipeline the scheme should be operational by next September.

A lot of drivers who ignore the law are in for a shock. And that cannot happen soon enough.