Number of traffic wardens reduced

Police are to reduce the number of traffic wardens in East Hampshire from two to one in a bid to save money.

Hampshire police currently get funding for one of the posts but have to use their own money to pay for the other, which will now be cut early next year.

Officers said discussions are planned for the district council to take over the running of parking enforcement.

East Hampshire District Council said it was "looking at the situation" to see what could be done.

'Supported by residents'

Ch Insp Philip Kedge, East Hampshire district commander, said: "East Hampshire is one of the last districts nationally to retain police employed traffic wardens.

"It is part of our police modernisation agenda to reduce this responsibility and transfer this to the district council.

"The traffic wardens have made an excellent contribution to their local communities and they are widely supported by residents."

Councillor Julia Marshall, East Hampshire District Council's member for community safety, said: "The council is currently looking at what we might be able to do to help in this situation."