The tightening of regulations comes after Tariq Mahmood, Mohammed Choudhary and Maqbool Hussein were imprisoned for 15, nine and three months respectively after an unsuccessful attempt to fraudulently win town hall seats in the 2004 election.

This year, Peterborough City Council sent out blank registration forms to voters to ensure only the latest information was recorded on the electoral register, while electoral officers have scrutinised the register to remove any anomalies.

People registering for postal voting were required to provide their signature and date of birth on the application form, with the same information requested on the postal vote statement form sent out with ballot papers.

The information and handwriting on both documents was then electronically checked and any that did not match were rejected.

On Thursday, mobile and fixed CCTV cameras will be used in the areas around polling stations to prevent intimidation and ensure the safety of the public and polling staff.

The council's director of strategic resources John Harrison said: "We want to ensure that everyone in Peterborough is able to freely use their vote without fear or intimidation."

Full coverage: Peterborough City Council elections 2008 - peterboroughtoday.co.uk/election2008