Parking

Abuse of Parking Attendants

"It is not acceptable to abuse, either verbally or physically, traffic wardens"

Councillor Danny Chalkley responds firmly to Sports Commentator Andrew Castle's comments during a recent interview with this letter to The Independant;

Dear Sir

Re: Interview with Andrew Castle

I read with alarm the 5-minute interview with sports commentator Andrew Castle who says that he would like to be a ‘warrior monk, kicking everyone, especially traffic wardens.’ This comes on the same day that a traffic warden was severely beaten in Wandsworth and left in a critical condition.

Let me be quite clear, it is not acceptable to abuse, either verbally or physically, traffic wardens. Our Parking Attendants do a difficult job well in challenging circumstances, often advising motorists where they can park and frequently asking them to move on if they are parked in contravention of the rules.

If motorists feel that they have been given a parking ticket unfairly then there is an appropriate process for them to go through. Every challenge is treated on its own merits to ensure fairness and equality for all. They are also able to ask for an independent review of their case by the Parking Appeals Service where the statutory process has been concluded.

Westminster Council takes all instances of abuse, threats or attacks against parking attendants very seriously. With our partners, NCP and the Metropolitan Police we will always press for the strongest penalties against those convicted of abusing or assaulting staff who have a right to undertake their duties in a safe and secure way.

Yours faithfully

Councillor Danny Chalkley

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Transportation

Westminster City Council

The 5-minute interview with Sports Commentator, Andrew Castle
BBC article of the assault on a Wandsworth Traffic Warden