The city authorities decided to scrap wheel clamps after finding that the measure produced more negative than positive effects. For one thing, the proceeds have been low so the measure was not cost-effective.

Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković explained in November that the clamps were often "worse than a fine" for the offenders, and that it often took very long for the driver to be able to remove the vehicle, especially in remoter parts of the city and at night.

A report on the city traffic warden service's work in 2012, which the council also passed late on Monday, shows that the number of wheel-clamped cars had been on the decrease.

City wardens issued a total of 36,474 fines last year, the lowest since 2008. 90,000 fines were issued in 2009 and over 52,000 in 2011, according to the report.

Close to 24,000 drivers were fined for speeding - most of them exceeded the allowed speed by 10 kilometres an hour or less.

The figure marks an increase of 122% on 2011, which the service put down to the fact that they can use radar traps to measure speed in both directions as well as to better weather conditions.

Traffic wardens also issued 18,575 fines for violations in stationary traffic and public peace and order. All fines topped EUR 4m.

Opposition councillors argued the number of drivers caught speeding was excessive, arguing that the municipality was using radar traps to raise money.

But Mayor Janković said that speeding was the most common cause of traffic accidents and that radars were used in the vicinity of schools and kindergartens.

The City Council rejected the New Slovenia-sponsored proposal to ban alcohol consumption in public places outside those where serving alcoholic drinks is allowed.

The opposition party argued that alcohol consumption among youths was a big problem in Slovenia. Janković agreed but said that he feared the ban would only stimulate alcohol consumption.