Motorists are being forced to fork out for parking on streets across the city centre as Bradford's first ever solar-powered parking meters were switched on.

They are operating on parts of streets previously free as Bradford Council pockets the proceeds for city-centre improvements.

The controversial charging scheme using innovative solar panels is in full swing, despite an outcry from traders. They fear shoppers will be driven out of town.

Wardens Dave Flynn and Matt Brown are also trailblazers using new technology to do their jobs. Wardens are armed with computers instead of notepads as they book motorists who flout the law.

The Council is charging 30p for the first half hour and 60p an hour. But people are not allowed to leave their cars longer than an hour.

Highways sub-committee chairman councillor Phil Thornton said motorists were being granted a 'honeymoon' period this week and were being warned rather than having to pay the £40 penalty for dodging the charges.

Mr Brown said the system has received little criticism in the first few hours, but some motorists were confused about how to use the machines.

It was described as a "sad day for Bradford" by Chamber of Trade president Eric Hudson.

The chamber campaigned against the charges and Telegraph & Argus readers who filled in questionnaires about the council's proposals last year were heavily against it.

But the Council says it will ease congestion in the busy city centre, where motorists circle streets looking for spaces to park because they have been taken up by people leaving their cars throughout the day.

The Council says city-centre trade will increase because people will be able to find short-term parking spaces as they go to the shops.

Mr Hudson said: "We are very concerned about the effect on businesses. We believe it will be detrimental for the public and businesses."

Chairman of Bradford Retail Action Group Jeff Frankel said: "If it is a pilot scheme, as the Council has previously said, it should be kept an eye on. But as we know, they won't do that."

But Coun Thornton said the traders would find there were big benefits from the scheme. "We are confident it is the right thing to do."

The solar meters have cost £100,000 to set up and will cost £75,000 a year to run. They are expected to bring in £150,000 a year.

The meters are in Sunbridge Road, Kirkgate, Westgate, James Street, Darley Street, Piccadilly, Forster Square, Broadway and Bank Street. Today the streets were full of parked cars, but almost everyone had paid.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.