| MP CALLS FOR BETTER TRAINING OF TRAFFIC WARDENS |
| Tuesday, 30 January 2007 | |
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During a debate on in the Commons on the Transport Select Committee's Report on Parking Enforcement, John Pugh called for better training for traffic wardens. He argued that they and the public needed to have a better understanding of the objectives of traffic regulations so that there would be less 'pointless enforcement' and 'misuse of time', and no culture of fine chasing. The Select Committee's report raised the subject of allowing individual traffic wardens discretion when a fine would really not serve any sensible objective. Cases like fining veterans delayed at Remembrance Parades were cited by many MPs. Officially allowing wardens discretion was currently happening only in Manchester. John Pugh told the Commons if sensible discretion was not allowed at the kerbside it should be made very clear to all motorists that it can be applied by the Council office staff if people appeal. "It is argued that if wardens were allowed to use their discretion they might be bullied or bribed but the fact is that under the regulations now the council parking offices can show discretion and do use it. Scores of people locally approach me every year to help support their appeals. "Better training and clear explanation of the point behind parking policy is crucial" , the M.P. said. "The answer to the aggravation that parking issues cause was not to dress wardens up in paramilitary clothes and send them round in twos . They should see themselves as people charged with keeping traffic flowing and administering schemes people can understand." |