The guidelines issued by the council to its parking attendants have been published following months of mounting pressure for greater transparency.

The document covers the latest parking legislation, how a penalty charge notice is served, exemptions and the conditions of holding a blue badge and different types of parking contraventions.

It does not include rules on issuing tickets for moving traffic offences or how mobile camera vans should be used to catch motorists driving illegally - information the council has said it will publish in early November.

The document, also known as an Enforcement Code of Practice or traffic warden's 'bible', is readily available on other London councils' websites, including Richmond-upon-Thames, Westminster, and Islington.

In July, a council spokeswoman said the council did have a handbook which was given to all civil enforcement officers (CEOs), but would not release a copy, despite a freedom of information request issued by The Wimbledon Guardian.

Councillor Mark Betteridge, cabinet member for performance and implementation, said: "We know people want to see our parking policy for themselves, and we have now updated it and published it on our website.

"The document includes everything you would need to know about parking and the legislation within which we work.

He added: "We will always be fair and reasonable in our enforcement."

Residents can view the parking policy by visiting merton.gov.uk/transport-streets/parking/parking_enforcement_policy