TRAFFIC wardens are regularly being verbally abused and physically attacked by irate drivers who have been given tickets, figures have revealed.
A catalogue of abuse has been recorded in recent months by wardens patrolling the streets of Blackburn with Darwen, including one woman who had paint thrown at her house, and others who had their feet run over.
On Tuesday the Lancashire Telegraph revealed a warden was hit from behind by a car driven by a man who was angry at being given a parking ticket.
Anthony Barnes was left shaken after the incident outside a shop in Audley Range, Blackburn, last week.
Following the attack, the 60-year-old appealed for more protection, claiming colleagues regularly had to resort to “red alerts” to appeal for help when they were threatened.
Now the official log of incidents has revealed 23 reports in less than three months.
This ranges from sexist abuse towards female officers, racist abuse and attacks on cars.
A number of the incidents took place on Darwen Street, Blackburn, a hot-spot for parking enforcement.
And on one day, August 6, there were three reported incidents.
About half of the attacks were reported to the police.
Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and the environment, said: “This is unacceptable in a civilised world.
“These are angry people who think they are above the law because they’ve been given a ticket.
“It doesn’t matter how unpopular a traffic warden’s job is, they are just doing their job, and you can’t get attacked for doing your job.”
Council bosses have called for a “zero tolerance” approach to the attacks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel