What Does A Traffic Warden Do?
Traffic wardens ensure traffic and parking laws and regulations are observed.
They monitor the use of parking meters, controlled parking zones and one-way systems, and check for infringements of waiting restrictions and restrictions on the loading and unloading of goods. They report parking offenses and issue fixed penalty notices to offenders.
Other duties include checking that vehicles display current motor vehicle licenses (tax discs) and assisting the police in looking out for stolen vehicles. Traffic wardens also arrange for vehicles to be clamped, or removed by the police to a parking pound if necessary.
Some police forces have extended the role of traffic wardens, to cover moving traffic offenses and deal with antisocial behavior. This can mean combining the role of a traffic warden with that of a community support officer (see Police Community Support Officer for more information about this work).
Traffic wardens may occasionally be required to appear in court to give evidence against offenders. Generally, they don't require any formal training; however, there are traffic warden courses available for those that want to learn more and give their CV a bit of an edge.
What's The Working Environment Like Working As A Traffic Warden?
Traffic wardens usually work between 6.30 am and 8 pm. It is normal to work around 37 hours a week on a shift system, including weekends.
The work is outdoors in all weather conditions, in the dust, noise and traffic fumes. Traffic wardens spend most of the day on their feet.
The specific area in which wardens work may change daily, so it may be necessary to have a driving license.
A full uniform is provided. In most cases, traffic wardens are equipped with a personal radio in an emergency.
How To Become A Traffic Warden?
To be a traffic warden you should:
- have a positive attitude to the job
- be assertive and have common sense
- have the initiative to cope with unexpected situations
- be able to understand and apply written and spoken instructions
- be able to think clearly and react sensibly under pressure
- have patience, tact and a sense of humor
- have excellent communication skills
- have a good level of fitness
- be able to form good working relationships with the police and other colleagues.
Traffic Warden Career Opportunities
The number of openings for traffic wardens is decreasing as more local authorities are taking over the responsibility for enforcing parking regulations from the police force. These authorities employ parking attendants with similar, but narrower, areas of responsibility. The London boroughs have contracted out the work to private companies who directly employ the staff. Further details on the work of parking attendants or car valets can be found in the Car Valet profile in our jobs and salary section.
In some other areas, there are plans to merge the duties of parking attendants and traffic wardens into one force of privately-employed wardens.
Career prospects vary according to the area and may be limited in areas where few wardens are employed. Progression is based on ability and experience, and traffic wardens may be promoted to senior grades.
Staff employed in the more senior grades become increasingly involved in the administrative, supervisory and training aspects of the work.
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