Lincoln parking warden scheme confirmed

Two parking wardens will be retained to enforce restrictions in Lincoln, it has been confirmed.

The system had been uncertain since January when the police said it was scrapping its six wardens, a year before the county council took over.

Earlier this month the City of Lincoln Council agreed to pay £48,000 to the force to continue some patrols.

Now senior officers have said two wardens will be retained on fixed-term contracts.

Lincolnshire Police had always denied there would be a "free-for-all" as constables and PCSOs could still punish illegal parking.

But the city council said it wanted dedicated cover to manage business and residents' only parking schemes, which account for the majority of tickets.

The police force is looking to cut £20m from its budget in the next four years due to falling grants from government.

John Bibby, director of housing and community services at the city council, said: "We have worked closely with Lincolnshire Police to find a solution and are pleased that they have made a firm commitment to enforcing traffic restrictions in the city.

"We hope this will provide reassurance to our residents that the police will clamp down on illegally parked vehicles, on the main highways and in those areas where permit schemes are in place."