PARKING attendants in Rossendale are boarding buses in a bid to crackdown on motorists parking illegally at bus stops.

The campaign has been launched by Rossendale Council to help to speed up buses and make life easier for people with restricted mobility.

The wardens will be targeting motorists who restrict access to bus stops throughout the Valley.

Transport bosses said cars parked at bus stops prevented buses pulling up to the kerb, meaning the elderly and people with mobility problems could not board buses.

The request for help was made by Rossendale Transport in an attempt to speed up bus journeys.

And the council obliged, telling its parking attendants to travel on the company's fleet in a bid to spot cars parked illegally at bus stops.

Attendants have been told to issue a fine if they spot a bus stop being blocked.

The checks will take place on a random basis and, once the attendant has got off the bus, they will do further observations in the area before carrying on their journey.

Rossendale Council parking enforcement manager Eugene Leal said: "It is important that buses are not held up and passengers with mobility problems are not inconvenienced by drivers."

Dianne Taylor, Lancashire County Council's quality bus corridor manager, added: "Unauthorised vehicles parked at bus stops prevent the bus pulling up level with the kerb and make access more difficult for older people and anyone with a mobility impairment.

"Lancashire County Council fully supports Rossendale Council in its approach."