Parking enforcement in Argyll and Bute is to become the responsibility of the local authority because the new single police force are not going to pay for traffic wardens.
The council will be responsible for enforcing parking restrictions across the area from May 12. At present police officers provide the service.
The council says that by assuming responsibility for parking enforcement, it can ensure effective traffic management in town centres.
It will employ six new amenity wardens to work with the council’s existing dog and litter wardens to deliver parking enforcement. As well as ensuring effective traffic management, all wardens will also address issues of dog fouling and littering.
Policy lead for roads and amenity services, Councillor Ellen Morton, said: “I am pleased to see the council now assuming this responsibility. Parking is a big issue in our towns – it is maddening to see the same cars parked on the street for hours on end denying easy access for customers to local businesses.
”With these new powers we will be able to keep Argyll and Bute moving.
“We hope people will work with us to keep our town centres busy and presentable – if you park legally you won’t be fined. If you clear up after you dog, you won’t be fined.”