Traffic wardens in Sunderland are to be "privatised" in a move that will see a threefold increase in the number of parking tickets issued.

Sunderland City Council wants to merge the duties of council-employed parking attendants and police-employed traffic wardens in February 2003.

A private company has bid to carry out the work for �1m, which will see parking fines go up from �40 to �60 and the number of tickets issued rise to 10,000 a year.

Council officers say the move is not a money-making exercise and will reduce city centre congestion.

Parking fines will rise from �40 to �60

Currently the council employs 18 car park attendants and about 10 Northumbria Police traffic wardens patrol the city.

These are likely to be replaced by one force of privately-employed wardens, although talks are ongoing with trade union officials about job implications.

A city council spokesman said: "Along with other authorities we want to decriminalise parking.

"This will allow us to enforce both on and off street parking in a co-ordinated manner for the first time.

"The council will have direct control over appropriate penalty charges. While the police will retain responsibility for road traffic offences like obstruction."

The spokesman said surplus revenue will be ring-fenced and be used to improve car parking and public transport in the city.

Similar schemes have been piloted in Essex and Tyneside.

The spokesman added: "There will be a comprehensive publicity programme, including leaflets and public exhibitions.

"Boundary signs will also be erected on each main road into Sunderland."