Councillors have been angered by plans to withdraw police traffic wardens from the streets of Perth.
At least 90 posts remain across the country but Police Scotland is now planning to remove them following a review.
Certain traffic/parking offences which still constitute a criminal act, including dangerous parking, will continue to be enforced by police officers.
The news has angered Perth and Kinross councillors, who believe the local authority was not given sufficient time to play a part in the decision.
Perth City South Councillor Willie Wilson said the review had been “yet another example of sham consultation by Police Scotland”.
He went on: “The letter indicates that it launched a consultation in May of last year, but the council did not learn of this matter until October, by which time there was only a limited opportunity to make reasoned comments.
This is not consultation, it is just tokenism and emphasises yet again the centralist tendencies of Police Scotland.
“They seem to have an agenda, which rarely involves real discussion with community planning partners, communities and elected members.
“There are still one or two wardens in Perth who assist police officers in traffic duties and there is concern that, if they are withdrawn, then more work will devolve on to frontline officers.”
In his letter to Perth and Kinross Council, Assistant Chief Constable (Local Policing West) Wayne Mawson said: “Police Scotland will withdraw the role of traffic warden across the divisions where the role still exists.
“This is to allow Police Scotland to focus on the core activity of keeping people safe.
“Current traffic wardens have been consulted with, and suitable roles are being identified for them to move into.
“We will continue to work in partnership with our communities through targeted enforcement activity where our communities or officers identify problems in relation to parking matters.”