Village life is to be brought to book by a new scheme to take traffic wardens to the outskirts of York.

Many rural communities and outlying areas escape the rigorous enforcement of traffic laws as local bobbies are too stretched to concentrate on poor parking.

Now residents are being warned to behave themselves as teams of traffic wardens are dispatched to solve problems in the sticks.

The new scheme is the brainchild of John Mackfall, York's newly-appointed senior traffic warden.

John, 37, who has 13 years experience as a traffic warden, wants to step up out-of-town patrols to ensure justice is distributed evenly within the city boundaries.

This means areas such as Dunnington, Haxby, Wigginton and Copmanthorpe, where motoring problems are often left unchecked, will come under scrutiny.

"The laws are there for everybody, it does not matter where they live or who you are," said Mr Mackfall.

He said the scheme had principally been brought in to take the burden from local police officers, not to make more bookings.

"We ensure thoroughfares are kept clear, cars parked dangerously are moved and disputes are settled. Only as a last resort do we issue a ticket."

Initially the scheme, which will make use of the York's 10-strong team of traffic wardens on a rota basis, will use redundant police cars to transport officers to the suburbs.

Later Mr Mackfall hopes to attract private sector backing to sponsor a dedicated traffic warden vehicle.

The scheme has won the backing of local police chiefs. Inspector Colin Bowes, of York's eastern police division, said the initiative would be welcome, especially in trouble spots such as Tang Hall Lane, plagued by poor and illegal parking.

He said: "I would certainly support this. We have been getting a few complaints from people who say they cannot get near shops in some areas."

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