COUNCILLORS have finally voted to take over from the police the responsibility for dealing with illegal parking on Swindon's roads.

At present Wiltshire Constabulary is responsible for enforcing parking but police are finding it difficult to spare the manpower only two traffic wardens are employed and are supporting Swindon Council in its bid to take over enforcement.

Cabinet members of the council have now decided to apply to the Government to take enforcement out of the hands of the police and to make breaches of parking law civil offences rather than criminal ones.

Options for providing the service range from staffing the service in-house or alternatively using an outside body.

The council will carry out a public consultation exercise to decide the best way forward, which will include exhibitions.

Coun Jemima Milton (Con, Wroughton and Chiseldon), the council's lead member for transport and the environment, said: "If the council were able to crack down on illegal parking, it would help vulnerable road users and improve traffic flow and road safety.

"For example, there would be fewer vehicles obstructing bus stops, less illegal occupation of disabled parking spaces and not so many blocked footpaths and access roads."

In October, Sue Booth was employed by Wiltshire Constabulary as a second traffic warden for the town, to support longstanding Swindon warden Gillian Powis.

But in the same month, the Advertiser reported on the frustration of residents in Rodbourne who claimed drivers were treating yellow lines as a joke and that the situation had to change.

Other advantages the council has outlined for taking over control of illegal parking include:

n Safety for pedestrians, especially for the disabled and partially sighted

Safety outside schools

Safety for other road users

Improved access for emergency services

Improved access for delivery vehicles

It will be easier to find on-street parking spaces because of increased turnover in limited waiting areas

Passing trade for business will increase as on-street commuter parking stops

The need for some double yellow lines will be reviewed in residential areas and the town centre

A review of traffic regulation orders will ensure restrictions no longer needed will be removed

Income from parking fines, instead of going to the Home Office, will come to the council and may be used to improve car parks and transport, including bus services

The police will be free to deal with other priority areas.

The National Parking Adjudication Service would act as an independent appeals body for those wishing to challenge parking tickets.

Initially, Swindon does not intend to introduce wheel-clamping and vehicle removal but this may be reviewed when the performance of the project can be assessed.

Parking has already been decriminalised in all London boroughs and in 38 other authorities. At least another 100 local authorities are planning to take on these powers.