A CALL for guarantees covering York's new traffic warden scheme has been made by the city's Conservative parliamentary candidate.

Michael McIntyre has written to City of York Council leader Rod Hills asking for safeguards against future charge increases and introduction of a clamping and towing policy, and a pledge to review the system in six months. And he will send questionnaires to residents and businesses to discover their views.

He said: "Having spoken to a number of city centre traders who have expressed grave reservations about this scheme, I have decided to send a questionnaire to residents and businesses in the immediate city centre to find out their views."

The army of 28 new-style traffic wardens was introduced this month, completely controlled by the authority. Formerly, eight wardens were incorporated in the police force, with 20 which were part of the council.

Their aim is to rid the streets of rogue parkers who are a major cause of congestion in the city.

Motorists can expect a £40 fine for illegal parking, or £20 if paid within 14 days. If they do not pay in that time, it will rise to £60. Previously, the fine stood at £20, rising to £40 if not paid within a month.

Mr McIntyre said: "My main concerns are for the future.

"This is why I want to see the council make a public commitment to review the scheme within six months, guarantee that any increase in permit charges will be no greater than the rate of inflation and that the council will not introduce a clamping and towing policy."

Peter Evely, the council's head of highway regulation, said: "City of York Council consulted widely with motorists and other members of the public before seeking Government permission to introduce a decriminalised parking scheme in the city.

"Residents have told us that they are unhappy at the level of congestion in the city and we have also been inundated with complaints about parking on pavements, which is why we sought to introduce this new scheme.

"Of course, we will be monitoring the operation of the scheme constantly and, while we have the full powers to do so, there are no plans to introduce clamping.

"However, we have clearly stated that, where illegally parked vehicles interfere with traffic flow or endanger other road users, they will be towed away to our vehicle pound and a fee will be charged for their release."