CAR PARK attendants are to be given powers to fine motorists £60.

Parking wardens will use the extra powers to punish motorists who park illegally, from Monday.

If the scheme, intended to free up police time, is a success, it will be introduced across the Cleveland area.

The team of 12 Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council parking attendants, normally restricted to basic patrols, will be able to monitor the borough's yellow lines, loading bays, residents' parking places and schools.

The idea has already been piloted in London, and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has been working on the scheme with four other councils in the area.

Traffic wardens employed by the police will be deployed elsewhere without the need for any redundancies.

An AA spokesman said: "Obviously, for the law-abiding motorist, there is usually no problem. However, there have been difficulties elsewhere, particularly with complaints procedures.

"Councils who take these responsibilities on have neglected getting their backroom operations sorted out properly and there have been major backlogs. In general, though, we are happy with this as long as the proper guidelines are followed."

John Partridge, town centre manager for Redcar, said the scheme would have to be in operation before he could comment on behalf of traders.

Eric Empson, councillor with responsibility for strategic planning, development and infrastructure, said: "This is not a war against the motorist, this is a strategy to improve all our lives.

"It means enforcing bus stop restrictions to ensure passengers can board safely, ensuring disabled bays are used by disabled badge holders and restrictions around schools are adhered to so your child can walk to school safely."

Dave Winstanley, council parking manager, said: "We will concentrate on parking that restricts access to schools, shops and bus stops, but we will also have the resources to target problem areas and a quick-response team capable of going out in the evenings to take actions when and where necessary."

Leaflets are being distributed, with copies also available from libraries and council buildings.