MORE efficient traffic wardens will mean more parking tickets in Bournemouth – but motorists are being promised they will be treated “humanely.”

An overhaul of Bournemouth’s enforcement service will see car parks and wardens kitted out with the latest technology in the hope of saving £3.3m over the next 10 years.

But fears drivers would be “hounded” by ruthless wardens have been played down by cabinet member Cllr Michael Filer.

He said these concerns were one of the reasons why the council had decided to keep control of traffic enforcement themselves, rather than outsource it.

“There is no reason to believe we can’t do exactly what’s been recommended from within our existing services,” he said.

“We don’t want there to be massive moves against drivers.

“We want the laws to be enforced but we also want our residents and visitors to be treated in a humane way.”

The council hopes that investing in initiatives like cashless parking and number plate recognition technology will free up wardens to crack down on errant motorists and improve the flow of traffic.

The council has also confirmed the amount of money it expects to save from the “transformation” project. A gross saving of £6.7m and net saving of £4.5m have now been changed to £5.4m and £3.3m.