Traffic Warden

Also known as:

Warden, Traffic
Parking Attendant (Traffic)

Introduction

Traffic wardens keep traffic moving smoothly through towns and cities. They patrol the streets looking out for illegally parked vehicles. They check that vehicles display valid 'pay and display' tickets. Traffic wardens write parking tickets (fixed penalty notices) when rules are broken.

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Work Activities

Traffic wardens help keep traffic moving smoothly through towns and cities. They patrol the streets, deal with illegally parked vehicles, and issue parking tickets (fixed penalty notices).

They check up on parking meters, remove the cash and restock them with tickets. They report any meters which are out of order.

They advise motorists as to where they can park. They might give information to the general public - for instance, directions to nearby places.

In some areas traffic wardens are trained to support police-related work. They help police direct traffic when there is an accident or when traffic lights fail at a major junction. They often direct traffic at big events such as pop concerts or demonstrations.

They look out for and report out-of-date tax discs. This can mean liaising with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). They look out for unroadworthy vehicles and for stolen cars, checking against a list of registration numbers.

Sometimes traffic wardens write reports on traffic incidents. Occasionally they have to give evidence in court.

They also arrange clamping of illegally parked vehicles and for their removal to a car pound. They might receive the vehicles that have been towed away and enforce night-time lorry bans.

At the beginning and end of each day, wardens report to their office. The rest of the time is normally spent on the streets. While a lot of time is spent on foot patrol, some wardens patrol in cars, vans or on motorcycles.

In some areas of Scotland, traffic wardens are being replaced by parking attendants, who are employed by local authorities or private companies rather than by the police. They have fewer responsibilities than traffic wardens.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Traffic wardens must be observant, alert, able to speak to a wide range of people, and to think and act quickly. They need common sense and initiative.

Experience of working with the general public is useful. You should be able to deal calmly and firmly with motorists who are upset or aggressive. You need tact and patience. A sense of humour helps.

You should be able to work without close supervision, sometimes alone.

You need to be physically fit, as you will spend a lot of time outdoors in all weather, walking up to 15 miles a day while carrying and operating a hand-held computer and perhaps a camera.

A full driving licence is usually required. You should have a basic knowledge of the Highway Code.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for traffic wardens vary.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Traffic wardens earn in the range of £14,000 - £17,500 a year. Earnings may be increase by a shift allowance or by bonuses for the number of parking tickets issued.

A uniform and protective wet weather clothing are provided.

Hours of work for traffic wardens vary according to local parking conditions. There may be early starts (7:30 or 8:00am) and late finishes (up to 10:00pm). Wardens work shifts, often a five day week taken across the seven days of the week.

With experience, you might become a supervisor or manager.

Traffic wardens are usually civilians employed by the local police authority.

In Scotland, an increasing number of local authorities, including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Kinross and South Lanarkshire, are replacing traffic wardens with parking attendants. They are employed by the local authority or by a private company. This means that there are fewer opportunities for traffic wardens.

Parking attendants have fewer responsibilities than traffic wardens.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some employers have entrance requirements, but many also consider relevant skills and abilities gained through dealing with members of the public.

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Further Information

Contact your Local Authority.

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