TRAFFIC wardens are to embark on early morning patrols to ease Hull's gridlock by targeting motorists causing rush-hour jams.
Plans are being drawn up to extend the working hours of wardens as Hull City Council brings parking enforcement in-house.
Since 2006, Hertfordshire-based contractor Vinci Park Services UK has been delivering parking enforcement, on behalf of the local authority, working from 8am to 6pm.
But the company's workforce will transfer into council control next month, with patrols due to start at 7am.
Anyone caught parking illegally faces a penalty charge notice (PCN) of £50 or £70, depending on the severity of the offence. Fines are halved if they are paid within 14 days.
Councillor Martin Mancey, portfolio holder for transport, says he hoped it will prove a deterrent to those who park inconsiderately.
He said: "The move to bring the parking enforcement service in-house will give us greater flexibility allowing us to focus on localised enforcement and target problem areas of the city.
"In the interest of improving traffic flow, we are looking to make better use of parking officers once they transfer to us.
"The most immediate thing we will be doing is with regards enforcing bus lanes and double-yellow lines on main commuter routes.
"There have been numerous instances where bus lanes have been blocked, sometimes by vans making deliveries."
The move looks set to be well-received by motorists and bus companies alike, with EYMS stating they were pleased to see positive action in response to talks
• Gallery: Hull's traffic wardens down the decades
Video: Motorists views on Hull City Council's takeover of traffic wardens