BUS inspectors, traffic wardens and shopping centre security guards have all been granted “police powers” under controversial legislation.

A Freedom of Information request has revealed 403 people in Essex are part of the controversial Community Safety Accreditation Scheme.

The law gives them the power to fine people for dog fouling and littering, stop vehicles for testing and seize alcohol and tobacco from the under-aged.

Tony Rayner, chairman of the county’s Police Federation, criticised the scheme for undermining police officers.

He said: “It is a gimmick, foisted upon us by the last government. It is part of what they were trying to do in putting more uniforms on the street.

“It is not to denigrate those who have received it, but there is no way they should be given police powers. We have a tradition of only vesting police powers in our police. The more we dilute that, the more it confuses the public and takes away from their authority.”

The scheme was introduced by Tony Blair’s government as part of its 2002 Police Reform Act. Individuals who have been granted the powers are known as “accredited persons”.

Among those accredited in Essex are bus inspectors employed by First buses, security guards at shopping centres in Southend and street wardens.

Some parking attendants and housing wardens are also part of the scheme.

However, Frank Tomlin, Tory councillor responsible for community safety in Basildon, defended the scheme.

He said: “The council’s enforcement officers provide a valuable addition to communities in reducing crime and deterring offenders, as well as providing reassurance to our communities.”