The changes will mean a substantial increase in the number of enforcement officers working across the district and a reduction in the amount of illegal parking.

In the run-up to the take-over, a new team of civil enforcement officers will be practising their skills on illegally parked vehicles, issuing dummy tickets.

This will give motorists an opportunity to change their behaviour and find other places to park before the transfer comes into force. It will also give the Council chance to iron out any problems that may arise.

Coun Anne Hawkesworth, the Executive Member for Environment and Culture, said: “Illegal parking is both selfish and dangerous - blocking visibility, preventing emergency access and clogging up town and city centres.

“The dummy-run gives us a chance to remind people of their responsibilities when parking and to think about the impact.

“Improving enforcement is crucial to reducing congestion and allowing traffic to flow more freely around the district.”

Bradford Council has spent the last year preparing for the take-over by ensuring all the traffic regulations in the district are properly marked to avoid confusion and training up staff in parking laws and dealing with motorists.

The officers will be able to impose fines of £70 or £50 depending on the seriousness of the offence. The fine is reduced by half if paid within 14 days and there is an appeal procedure.

Eventually there will be 46 officers, 12 working in the city centre, eight each in Keighley and Shipley and six each in Bradford North, South and West.