DRIVERS in Worcester had better watch out - a new crack team of parking attendants are about.

A new parking manager has been employed to lead 11 attendants, formerly called wardens, in a bid to crack down on motorists that park illegally in the city.

Since the city council took over control of on-street parking from the police in 2003, the numbers of fixed penalty notices issued dropped from 14,495 a year to 9,015 in 2005.

Now, after a tough recruitment process which saw more than 150 apply, the team is ready to hit the streets - but it is claimed the attendants will not just be raising more money for the city council's coffers.

Their job will also be about improving congestion and traffic flow throughout the city.

Mike Grady, head of property and council officer in charge of the parking service, said: "They are providing a parking service to all the residents of Worcester. Part of that is to slow the traffic, keep it moving and to help the public."

He made it clear that people who break the law will not get away with it.

"99.99 per cent of people abide by traffic regulations and all these people help us keep the city clear of congestion.

"There are also those that do not and we will be issuing tickets."

Coun Roger Knight, portfolio holder with responsibility for performance, innovation and efficiency, also said the parking attendants' job was not just to clamp down on illegal parking

"What it's about is changing working practices and raising the profile of the parking attendants," he said.

"They will be helping motorists - for example, if visitors come to the city and see a parking attendant, they should be able to ask them where is the best place to park nearest to where they want to go, or the cheapest place etc.

"We see them as ambassadors for the city rather than police - but they will of course ticket vehicles that park illegally.

"Illegal parking causes problems and they will be helping to get the traffic flowing."