“Undercover” parking wardens could hit the streets after council workers were given the power to issue fines.

The move, which was approved in last week's budget, would see the likes of community safety officers slapping tickets on cars.

However one councillor called the move, which council bosses hope will bring in another £15,000 from April, an 'outright attack' on residents which would break down trust.

Prestwick Conservative Cllr Hugh Hunter said: “It is an outright attack on the South Ayrshire public. 

“We don’t know yet for certain what other staff they are talking about. 

“They may be seen as undercover wardens if they are not wearing uniforms.

“It will bring a breakdown of trust between the public and traffic wardens.”

The new money making scheme was revealed in a single line in the budget presented before councillors last Thursday. 

It said: “Increase income from penalty charge notices by extending number of staff to issue tickets eg community safety officers.”

Councillor Hunter added: “Although it has never been a happy relationship between parking wardens and the public there has always been a measure of trust.

“The wardens are not unsympathetic if there are circumstances when they can be flexible.”

Parking attendants issue £60 fines, which are reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Their hours were extended to cover evenings last year.

The council said later patrols were introduced to crackdown on motorists parking on double yellow lines, at junctions or on bus stops.

Wardens launched a ticket blitz during the national bowling championship in Ayr last July.

They slapped nearly 50 tickets on motorists who breached parking conditions in the Northfield Avenue area during the 2018 Bowls Scotland National Championships.

At £30 per ticket, it would have cost drivers about £1,440 in fines collectively.