Mid Sussex district councillors want to spend £300,000 so they can put more Parking wardens on the streets.

The council last night backed plans to take over responsibility for enforcing parking rules from Sussex Police.

The moves could result in more wardens on the beat in Mid Sussex, which traders and residents hope will clear busy streets of parked traffic.

At the moment there is just one warden patrolling both Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill.

Ian Burton, the council's assistant director of outdoor business operations, said: "Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill could now get three or four traffic wardens each, though they would also be responsible for surrounding villages too.

"It will be good for places like Hurstpierpoint and Hassocks who have had problems with parking."

Under the Road Traffic Act 1991, local authorities can choose to manage traffic enforcement instead of the police.

Brighton and Hove City Council took on the responsibility in 2001 and immediately handed over control to private contractors NCP, which led to a tripling of wardens patrolling the streets.

Traders in Burgess Hill have complained Brian Patfield, the solitary warden, has had little effect on parking because he has too much to do on his own.

Jim Sampson, who works at Disco Carpets and Bedding in Church Road, Burgess Hill, said: "He's got an impossible job.

"When he's around it really makes a difference but he can't be there all the time because he's on his own.

"It's a really good idea to have more wardens because sometimes delivery lorries can't park anywhere."

Peter Hempson, chairman of Hurstpierpoint Traders Association, said: "Parking is a nightmare in Hurstpierpoint.

"But it's difficult to know whether parking wardens would be good or bad for business."

Mid Sussex district councillor Paddy Henry, who lives in Haywards Heath, said: "In this town, every commuter comes to the town and blocks up the roads.

"They just park everywhere and nobody takes any notice of yellow lines.

"Residents are blocked in or can't get out and the situation is the same in Burgess Hill.

"The warden there now has just too much to do."

At a Cabinet meeting in Haywards Heath last night, councillors said they were in favour of the proposals and were prepared to finance the scheme from council reserves.

Council officers expect income from fines, which now goes straight to the Government, to bolster council funds although they would have to spend the cash on transport-related initiatives.

However, councillors also voted for more time to finalise the proposals.