Traders fear a traffic warden assigned to patrol Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath faces a Mission Impossible and will make little difference.

For the past two years motorists have been able to flout on-street Parking regulations.

The free-for-all has brought chaos to the streets and angered businesses.

Motorists have parked on double yellow lines and other restricted areas without fear of prosecution or having their licences endorsed.

Last year, police issued just 751 tickets in the area, about two a day.

But they will now be helped by Brian Patfield, who will keep an eye on who's parking where.

Drivers will have a week's amnesty to get used to the idea of parking legally and will just receive an advisory notice on their windscreen.

But businesses doubt one warden will make much difference.

Eric Collard, owner of Disco Carpets and Bedding in Church Road, Burgess Hill, said deliveries had been cancelled in the past because lorries had nowhere to park.

He said: "We have asked for traffic wardens for the last two years and will believe it when it finally happens.

"We get big lorries trying to deliver carpets who end up driving round the block two or three times waiting for a space.

"Sometimes they give up. If this warden is splitting his time between us and Haywards Heath it might not have too much of an impact."

Maggie Wooldridge who runs The Burrell Arms, in Commercial Square, Haywards Heath said: "Parking in the town is dreadful and there are days you wonder when someone is going to sort it out.

"But one warden for Haywards Heath would not be enough, let alone splitting him between here and Burgess Hill."

Money for the warden has been found by West Sussex County Council after a deal with Mid Sussex District Council and Sussex Police.

The warden will be under police direction until parking enforcement becomes the responsibility of the district council next year.

In the meantime, it is hoped the warden's presence will deter motorists from parking illegally.

Despite traders' concerns, Mr Patfield, 56, said: "I have spent the last week walking around, looking at where the trouble spots are.

"The people I have spoken to have been very positive. I want to become a part of the community and I think my role at first will be to re-educate people about parking."

Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, West Sussex County Council spokesman, said: "I am sure this move will be welcomed by residents who comply with the parking regulations and traders concerned about the abuse of parking spaces designed for their customers and not commuters.

"I do not apologise for saying those who park legally have nothing to fear from this measure. It is not anti-motorist but a move that will ultimately benefit the economy."

Inspector Roy Apps, of Mid Sussex Police, said the warden would be a "powerful weapon" for the police to combat illegal parking.

He said: "We don't simply want to prosecute people, we want to make people aware of the dangers they cause."

Tuesday August 26, 2003