EDINBURGH’S notorious ‘Blue Meanies’ are to be introduced on the streets of East Lothian before the end of the year.

East Lothian Council says it has signed a deal with NSL Ltd, who provide the private parking attendants in the Capital, with plans to introduce five new parking attendants in the county.

And there are plans for them to hit the streets before they even have the power to issue a single ticket in what has been described as a move to “raise awareness” among motorists.

Edinburgh’s army of private parking attendants were dubbed the ‘Blue Meanies’ after they took to the streets of the Capital more than a decade ago.

In one year alone, it was reported they issued a staggering quarter of a million parking tickets, equivalent to half the city’s population, raking in £7million for City of Edinburgh Council.

Earlier this year, one of the parking attendants was attacked by an enraged motorist in the Capital, who assaulted him before driving over his feet.

East Lothian Council has confirmed it is bringing NSL Ltd in for private parking enforcement.

A spokesperson said: “We will be introducing five parking attendants initially and have entered into a contract with NSL Ltd.”

Legislation required to allow the council-leased attendants to issue fines is still being approved by the Scottish Government.

However, the council is keen to have its traffic warden replacements on the streets at least a month before they start enforcing the new powers.

It is anticipated they will be deployed to areas including coastal car parks to advise motorists who park incorrectly and warn that it will soon become punishable by a fine.

The council spokesperson said: “We hope this will raise awareness among drivers, as well as allowing the new attendants to get to know the areas they will cover.”

It is anticipated the new attendants will be on the streets in a few weeks, with legislation set to be approved before the end of the year.