PLANS for Dudley Council to take over the clampdown on illegal parking from police have been given the green light.

Wardens will now be on patrol throughout the borough and have powers to hand out fines for drivers who park on double yellow lines or zigzag lines, under the new scheme for on-street parking.

Through the civil parking enforcement programme, managed by the council's existing parking team, illegal parking and congestion will be cut outside borough schools.

The new scheme will come into force from April 1 2008.

It is hoped a reduction in illegal parking will make borough towns more attractive to visitors, buses more efficient and the number of accidents will be slashed.

All cash from parking fines will now be spent by the council on road and traffic safety schemes throughout the borough.

The proposals were rubber stamped at Dudley Council's cabinet meeting held on November 1 with the full backing of councillors.

Speaking at last week's meeting, cllr David Sparks said: "The irresponsibility of some people is mind bending.

"We do need to make sure there is some sensitivity.

"Unless drastic action is taken some people alive now will be dead because it is that dangerous."

Cllr Michael Evans said: "I welcome this report.

"There are a lot of people complaining about parking outside of schools. There will be no over zealous approach from wardens."