The Carlisle warden - whom the city council has refused to name - issued 3,059 fines in just 30 weeks.

That accounts for a third of all tickets issued by the council since it took over parking enforcement from the police.

The warden issued a ticket once every 27 minutes around the city, earning the council a possible £153,000.

Parking abuse

The details of the ticket-happy warden's achievement were contained in a council report on the scheme.

The council praised the warden for being so dedicated - but it insists it would be wrong to name him.

"The anonymity of the traffic wardens is essential to ensure their safety," a spokeswoman said.

"Some traffic wardens work more hours and more frequently in areas which have more prolific parking abuse."

The warden's victims all have to pay a £50 fine - which is discounted to £25 if they settle the bill within a fortnight.