BURNLEY Council is warning motorists it will get tough on illegal parking when it takes over responsibility for on-street parking from police traffic wardens next year.

The hand-over, which has already happened in some parts of the country, is expected to happen in the 12 boroughs that form Lancashire County Council on April 1, 2004.

David Brown, director of development services at Burnley Council, said that residents will notice an increase in the activities of parking attendants.

He said: "The intention behind the transfer is to free up the streets of our town from parked traffic to make them safer for motorists and pedestrians, and to make them work more effectively. We hope it will also change the public perception that the town is getting gridlocked by traffic."

He added: "Law abiding motorists, who park where they should, will have nothing to fear from the change."

Under the new regime the council will have the power to add more parking restrictions, or remove any if necessary.

Mr Brown said a full review will take place of all double yellow lines and restricted parking zones in the town.

It will also have the power to clamp vehicles and tow them away, but he said the council was not intending to use those powers yet.

A draft document setting the level of fines, what powers will be used, how many attendants will be on the streets and other details is currently being drawn up by the district and county council.

Burnley Council's executive committee is being asked to back plans to enter into a partnership with the county council to take over responsibility when it meets next month.

Members will also be asked to support the level of fines to be set, which are to be based on recommendations by the Department of Transport.