TRAFFIC wardens in Newton are set to take on a new role in the fight against crime this week when they take to the streets on new 'Be Streetsafe' yellow scooters.

The new service gives the wardens direct access to neighbourhood policing teams and greater power to help with community issues.

Merseyside police estimate that around 50 per cent of police traffic warden time can be freed up by handing parking enforcement over to local authorities.

Traditional functions of the traffic wardens, such as helping maintain traffic flow and road safety education will continue.

Chief Superintendant Greg Wood said: "The force takes around 400 telephone calls a month about issues such as abandoned cars, vehicles being used in an anti-social manner, illegally parked cars, or difficulties with vehicles at school home time.

"These are issues, which are important to our local residents and to us as a police force, but might not have been addressed as quickly as we would like in the past."