Head cameras scheme to keep traffic wardens safe
TRAFFIC wardens in Neath Port Talbot may wear head cams in the future in an attempt to stamp out abuse.
Last year, there were four incidents where angry motorists drove their cars at traffic wardens. Two of the incidents ended with cars being driven over the wardens' feet, injuring them.
Three were reported to the police.
Alan Bennett, head of policy and administration at the council, said: "Civil enforcement officers have a difficult but important role in health and safety and social inclusion.
"Since we have been keeping records in April 2008, the incident/ accident report forms show unfortunately we have had four incidents."
Mr Bennett said he could not provide any further information on the injuries.
However, the answer to stopping these incidents may lie in a scheme on trial on Anglesey.
A head-mounted video camera is being used by a traffic warden on Anglesey in an attempt to curb abuse from drivers.
The island's council said its parking enforcement officers had to endure daily abuse from motorists, and there had been a number of serious incidents. It added that footage from the camera would be used to support future prosecutions.
If the scheme is successful, the council said all parking officers might wear head cameras in the future.
Although the incident numbers are low in Neath Port Talbot, the four cases of abuse recorded were very severe.
Mr Bennett added: "The Anglesey pilot, if it proves successful, is an option Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council would consider to protect the civil enforcement officers who are carrying out a difficult, but important role in social inclusion and safety for the borough.
"We will not tolerate any physical or verbal abuse against out officers, and all incidents will be treated very seriously by Neath Port Talbot Council."
6 Comments
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by Lucy, Neath
Saturday, February 20 2010, 8:17PM
“I agree with jeff there....i know of a few incidents where traffic wardens in Neath have abused their powers by booking people for dropping off on a double yellow line or giving tickets without giving the driver any knowledge of it etc...i have good knowledge that if the driver is with the vehicle the warden has to tell them to move before giving a ticket and in so many cases they just book anyway...so many people park in stupid places causing obstruction or danger to other road users and they don't get booked because the traffic warden is standing by some other car waiting for its ticket to run out. The camera idea is brilliant as i think it will make sure these wardens do their job properly more than to protect them..”
by jeffery, dirty town
Saturday, February 20 2010, 12:53PM
“Carol Swanmsea:- I bleieve abuse goes two ways and feel that some of these people like to exert power they think they have and I feel cameras will make them do their jobs properly and there would be no doubt about who said what to whom. I do not want a system of selective enforcement. If rules are being broken , enforcement officers should not turn a blind eye or skive off in corners waiting to clock off. I have seen wardens staning round by a car for over 15 minutes waiting to book then owner. Is this making the town safe or just generating money for the council. These enforcement officers shold be there to make the town safe for all pedestrians and motorists. Instead of spending time in car parks during the rain, get them out onto the streets to prevent dangerous parking at corners , on double yellow lines with kerb markings , on pavements and onn bus stops.I believe a camera would be a record of what they do and not what they claim to do which would be a benefit to the public making the public safer. Paul has a good idea, teach them people skills and not abuse the public.”
by Carol, swansea
Thursday, February 18 2010, 10:41PM
“I have seen wardens being abused on the street. I have never seen a warden shouting and swearing though. So why do the public need cameras to keep them safe Jeffery?”
by paul herbert, neath
Thursday, February 18 2010, 7:50PM
“well said about the taxis and its the parking attendents who are rude and insulting no wonder people drive at them its wrong but if they were polite they would not have verble abuse thrown at them.
a taxi is a car how can they park where ever they fell like i.e bus stops out side skools .they need people skills tought to them i think then they will have no abuse thown at them .”
by Heather, Mumbles
Tuesday, February 16 2010, 5:57PM
“Yes this is great news. We need more wardens to deal with illegal parking. People are very aggressive out there these days so any form of protection for these officers has to be welcomed.”