Car Parking giant NCP has won the four-year contract to clamp down on illegal parking in Brighton and Hove.

The company beat off competition from three other contractors to land the £2.3 million Brighton and Hove Council deal.

The council will take over responsibility for issuing parking tickets and towing away illegally parked vehicles from the police in the summer.

New-style parking attendants will replace traffic wardens and the council has promised there will be more than double the number on patrol at any one time.

Councillor John Ballance said the authority was in a better position than the police to enforce parking regulations and the move would create more than 100 jobs.

He said: "Parking enforcement will be firm but fair so we can get Brighton and Hove moving again.

"Flagrant illegal parking, especially in bus stops, has added to congestion and made bus travel far less efficient than it could be.

"Dangerous parking in the centre of Brighton and Hove has also put lives at risk with emergency vehicles unable to get through, and residents have complained they are unable to park near their homes."

The council said NCP, which already operates 11 car parks in Brighton and Hove, had a proven track record and a thorough knowledge of the city.

Councillors were also impressed by the firm's pledges on customer service and employment practices.

Money from fines will stay in Brighton and Hove and any surplus must by law be spent to improve transport in the city.