It has two parking attendants - employed by a private firm that is contracted to the council - operating during the night, issuing fines for illegally-parked cars.

Two wardens are issuing tickets at night

Residents say it is not fair and that wardens should have more "humanity".

Computer engineer Grant Brodie parked on a double yellow line in Stockbridge one night only to find the next morning he was issued with a ticket at 0300 BST.

Mr Brodie said: "Its quite ridiculous. If some clown is actually blocking the road, there isn't a problem.

"By all means, tow them away. But under the situation here I hardly see it justifies a ticket."

The council says it is illegal to park on a double yellow line, no matter what the time is.

Safety hazard

Council transport manager Barry Cross said: "Road safety applies 24 hours a day.

"If parked vehicles could cause an obstruction to your line of sight, it is as important at 10 o'clock at night as it is at five o'clock in the afternoon."

However, residents disagree. One said: "A lot of people get caught. If they were fair and there was any humanity about it they would let them go."

Another said: "It's totally wrong. I'm completely against them."

The council insists motorists must park legally whatever the time of day or night.

It stresses its parking attendants will continue to ticket offending vehicles, especially if they are causing an obstruction.