ONCE reviled as the "yellow peril" that most unloved of species, the parking warden, has undergone a makeover of late. Not only are members of this calling now referred to as attendants, but the re-branding appears to be continuing with members of the profession being regarded as "ambassadors" rather than police.

Worcester City Council is at pains to talk up the role of parking attendants and for once we don't mind the gloss. For the Faithful City has a congestion problem - and one that is not helped by the presence of any number of illegally-parked vehicles. But the selfish drivers who flout the law, cause obstructions and generally try to get away with it, are going to be given short shrift very soon. For a newly-recruited team of attendants is about to hit the streets and our guess is that these newcomers will be performing their duties with limitless zeal.

There will be some who dismiss this latest initiative as yet another revenue-driven stunt. Most motorists regard any moves that curb what are considered to be inalienable rights as being automatically beyond the pale. However, this newspaper can see the bigger picture of a city that is rapidly becoming choked with traffic. This problem is not just being caused by the relentless proliferation of vehicles, but crucially, the way we use them.

The farcical impression created by the advertising copywriters of empty roads and wide vistas sits very uncomfortably with the reality. Doing nothing is now not an option and we support the council's move.