The President of the British Parking Association, David Marklew, called today
for parking attendants and traffic wardens to be viewed as the motorist's friend.
Speaking at the opening of the BPAs annual Spring Seminar, the President noted
the rise in abuse and attacks upon parking control staff and said: "Traffic
wardens and parking attendants have a poor image and have to put up with too
much unfair criticism, verbal abuse and violence. The press has recently reported
how PAs in Edinburgh have been offered therapy following violence and threats
of violence. In other parts of the country there have been stabbings and other
violent attacks. Many police forces across the UK have issued their traffic
wardens with anti stabbing vests."
"We as an industry must explain the reasons for parking controls. We must
promote the positive side of our services and the benefits that parking controls
offer."
"We must enlighten our customers, the motorist, as to the reason behind our
controls. I would like to think that one day, the parking attendant will be
seen as the motorists friend rather than as the enemy."
The President also highlighted that too often the parking industry advertise
the big stick, the A380 fine for illegal parking, rather than the purpose behind
it. Parking attendants and traffic wardens enforce local parking regulations
which are designed to ensure that roads are kept safe for general road users,
emergency vehicles and pedestrians. Although unpopular, parking controls are
put in place for the greater good.
A better way of educating the public, Marklew explained, would be to take the example of a recent campaign in London which showed a picture of an ambulance
unable to drive along a road because of illegally parked cars. Beside the picture
was the caption: "Maybe that ambulance is coming for your child".
