TRAFFIC wardens could be a thing of the past for motorists in Little Hulton, Walkden, Worsley and Boothstown. But before drivers start celebrating . . . plans are in place for a new team of parking enforcers to move in.

Consultation started this week on whether Salford City Council adopts its proposals to take on new powers to enforce on street parking and waiting restricts on its streets.

Under the plans Salford City Council will take over from Greater Manchester Police the responsibility for the enforcement of on-street parking and yellow line offences.

This will mean police traffic wardens will be replaced by parking attendants, who would have the power to book motorists for parking loading and yellow line offences throughout the city.

Some members have already had the opportunity to comment on the scheme, known as decriminalised parking enforcement, through focus groups held across Salford.

So far reaction has been positive, with residents recognising that something is needed to enforce current parking and waiting regulations more rigorously.

Now other communities and businesses will get the chance to put their views forward.

Cllr Ben Wallsworth, lead member for the city council on traffic and highway issues, said: "This is an excellent scheme and I hope it is supported by the people of Salford.

"One of the main issues for people living and working in this city is street parking and the levels of traffic.

"We think this scheme is, without doubt, the best way forward. The new parking attendants will be a lot more responsive to people's needs than the current traffic wardens can ever be.

"People will be able to contact the council and tell us about anyone parked illegally and causing a nuisance, and we will be able to respond quickly to that call."

The new powers of enforcement have been made available through provisions in the Road Traffic Act 1991. Council chiefs have decided to adopt the powers because they recognise the police are prioritising their resources at crime-related issues.

The system will be self-financing and funded by the fines collected following the issuing of a parking ticket. The new powers are expected to come into force on April 2 next year.