COUNTY politicians have expressed disappointment after Police Scotland confirmed the county’s traffic warden service would be withdrawn next month.

Iain Gray MSP had previously hit out at the potential cost and impact the controversial cost-cutting decision wouldhave on local parking, and had urged police chiefs to reconsider.

However, Police Scotland has now confirmed to various community group and figures, by letter, that the traffic warden service would be withdrawn from Monday, February 3.

Councillor Stuart Currie, SNP Group leader on East Lothian Council, this week said the withdrawal of the service should be postponed until “other measures are put in place” to monitor parking.

And though Police Scotland seem adamant the service will be withdrawn in February, an East Lothian Council spokeswoman said the authority was currently in talks with police chiefs in a bid to negotiate a possible extension to the deadline.

Mr Gray said: “The confirmation that our traffic wardens are to be withdrawn is very disappointing news for communities across the county.

“With experts suggesting that it could take up to three years for local councils to put replacement traffic warden services in place, it is imperative that Police Scotland takes urgent steps to ensure the county will not face the kind of problems many fear this policy will bring about. This means working closely with East Lothian Council to avoid traffic chaos until an alternative can be implemented.” Mr Currie added: “Our position is that the service should be extended until the council has an alternative put in place.

“Nobody is seriously saying that police officers should be checking whether a motorist has parked his car for more than the allowed 90 minutes. So, if the police cannot do it then the council should be providing an alternative service.

“Our biggest concern about the withdrawal of the traffic warden service is the parking around schools, which can be testing at the best of times.” A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are currently in the process of informing all stakeholders about the future of the traffic wardens service where it is provided by Police Scotland. There are a small number of discussions around future provision still ongoing.

“Where parking is dangerous or causes significant obstruction, police officers will continue to resolve the issue using the appropriate enforcement activity, including parking tickets, other direct measures or prosecution reports.

“We will continue to work in partnership with our communities through targeted enforcement activity where our communities or officers identify problems in relation to parking matters. This will continue through regular dialogue with councils, community councils and members of the public should parking become an issue in any town or city.” A council spokeswoman said: “The council formally expressed its disappointment to Police Scotland at the end of October over the handling of the review of traffic warden services. The council leader and chief executive subsequently met with relevant senior police officers to discuss further. “We are still in negotiation with Police Scotland over the possible extension of this service within East Lothian.” Two traffic wardens patrol the county’s main towns, though their number used to be greater.