Neath Port Talbot traffic wardens to be equipped with body cameras
TRAFFIC wardens in Neath Port Talbot have been injured by aggrieved motorists driving off.
Others have been confronted and threatened by members of the public, council bosses have revealed.
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Now the civil enforcement officers are set to be equipped with body cameras when they are pounding the pavements to act as a deterrent and monitor these incidents — and others involving complaints by the public against officers.
Head of engineering and transport David Griffiths said there had been confrontations between civil enforcement officers (CEOs) and the public over fixed penalty notices.
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"Over the past 12 months we have had to investigate numerous complaints against CEOs and, similarly, officers have reported instances of threatening behaviour by members of the public," said Mr Griffiths.
"Some officers have also been injured through drive- aways.
"It's therefore intended that the council's civil enforcement parking service be provided with body-worn video cameras to monitor such instances."
Mr Griffiths explained officers would have to inform people they were being filmed. The cameras would provide an independent record of events as they happened and, it was hoped, act as a deterrent.
"Footage gathered by the cameras will provide irrefutable evidence of criminal or unacceptable civil activity and help convict those who offend, or deter those who may act in a physically or verbally abusive manner," he said.
"If police wish to use footage in evidence for a prosecution, the film would be made available to them."
Swansea Council took similar steps with its enforcement officers last year.
Members of Neath Port Talbot Council's environment and highways cabinet board were today being asked to approve the introduction of the new cameras.
The total cost is said to be £6,170.
Mr Griffiths said: "We would always encourage members of the public to treat our enforcement officers with respect."
7 Comments
by cymroun
Friday, March 01 2013, 6:30PM
“These people who abuse traffic wardens are just cowards, bet they wouldn't abuse the police in such a manner. At the end of the day everyone knows where they should and shouldn't park SO you get fined it's your own fault. I they should double the amount of traffic wardens,they do a valuable job and it would be absolute chaos without them.”
by watchdog12360
Thursday, February 28 2013, 10:32PM
“Its just another Penalty Tax - Anyone who has visited Neath will find shops closing every week because of parking charges (even for the disabled) and crazy parking restrictions - Well guess what, say good-bye to few more shops after these power drunk idiots get a camera on their shoulder. Not only will we have static CCTV watching our every move but mobile ones as well.
I have no pity for these Tax collecting thugs when being challenged by a motorist parking safely - After-all no one forced these sad people to do the job they do. I bet more get assaulted than ever before????”
by maxmin
Thursday, February 28 2013, 1:50PM
“cyclingnomad states 'Tickets are issued to cars that are parked ILLEGALLY'. But that is the problem. They should only be issued to cars who are parked dangerously. The concept should be to keep our streets free and clear for the safe movement of traffic, not lets scurry round behind some buildings and see if we can find a car parked on some faded yellow lines.”
by RichardCorso
Thursday, February 28 2013, 11:07AM
“Traffic wardens and the like are simply revenue generators for the Local Authority. The cameras which are incorporated in with an ID card are there to record any incidents which could lead to further revenue generation through court fines etc. With Local and Central Government cut backs any means of generating additional finances for Local authorities will be explored. It's one thing being fined by traffic wardens - this wouldn't happen in a high percentage of cases if the Local Authority provided enough parking facilities in the first place.”
by cyclingnomad
Thursday, February 28 2013, 10:08AM
“I for one think that they do a valuable job. If people were allowed to park wherever they liked it would be utter chaos. Tickets are issued to cars that are parked ILLEGALLY. People should not be so lazy and walk a bit further rather than expecting to be able to park right outside a shop or business. I am fed up of this "I'm alright Jack" "I'm above the law" attitude of the general public.”
by swanseajock
Thursday, February 28 2013, 8:17AM
“I am surprised if the Swansea ones are being threatened by motorists. In my experience they sneak around and do quick "hit and runs" on unattended vehicles, especially in the Strand car park which seems to be a bit of a cash generator for the council. I suppose they have quotas to issue.”
by tomitma
Thursday, February 28 2013, 7:55AM
“Well they shouldn't stick rubbish on peoples cars, I mean that's asking for it. ha ha ha ha”