traffic wardens, they're not all bad

londonTiger

I live near a hospital so the parking is a nightmare as visitors to the hospital all park on the single yellow and residents bays after parking control is suspended in the evening.

So frequently I just park the car in the single yellow with the intention of moving it before midnight to a residents bay. But I often forget to do that. I work from home, and often wake up 9am-10am to start work. I've left the car our on the yellow in the morning so many times my partner has come back in to let me know I'm on a yellow - even neighbours have done it a few times.

Yesterday a traffic warden knocked on my door!!! The guy has been working in the area for 3-4 years and sort of knows where I live

I spoke to him a few times, wouldn't say in "friendly" terms with him but on a few occasions I have helped calm situations when things were getting rowdy between him and the motorist.

Not all wardens are bad

Nilrem

Aye, sounds like some of the Wardens I've met.

Generally if you're reasonably local/they know you as a local, or are pleasant to them they'll often be pleasant back.
This is especially true if they know you try not to be a problem and recognise you/your car as a resident, and it sounds like he knew you're the sort who tries to avoid a problem.

Most I've met have been friendly if not actively helpful when I've had a question, and I've had a laugh with a couple of them.
The Wardens in Milton Keynes for example always seem to be very helpful and friendly (including pointing out where the best non disabled spots to park were when I had a disabled passenger with a BB, and the marked bays were full).

AdrianC

A mate of mine used to be a "genuine Police" traffic warden in a smaller town in the Chilterns. When he was made redundant, there were letters in the local paper and a petition to keep him.

OddballJamie

AdrianC wrote: »

A mate of mine used to be a "genuine Police" traffic warden in a smaller town in the Chilterns. When he was made redundant, there were letters in the local paper and a petition to keep him.

I wonder if he had been a mean traffic warden he would've kept his job longer.

Spicy_McHaggis

OddballJamie wrote: »

I wonder if he had been a mean traffic warden he would've kept his job longer.

He probably was, most were redeployed not made redundant.

RMS2

AdrianC wrote: »

A mate of mine used to be a "genuine Police" traffic warden in a smaller town in the Chilterns. When he was made redundant, there were letters in the local paper and a petition to keep him.

They had discretion and their job was to manage traffic, particularly parked vehicles.


A guy in the village was one and if he recognised your car in town, he always gave you a chance to move it first.


Then, about 2007, they privatised it to the council (they call it decriminalising it 'cause it sounds good) and it became a revenue centre.


He had to go on a training course to be indoctrinated, sorry, learn the new ways. One of the things they told them in training was, there is no grey, only black and white, if you see a hearse on a yellow line, you give it a ticket.

AdrianC

RMS2 wrote: »

A guy in the village was one and if he recognised your car in town, he always gave you a chance to move it first.

With Douggie, there was a fighting chance he'd try to buy it, tbh.

[Deleted User]

RMS2 wrote: »

He had to go on a training course to be indoctrinated, sorry, learn the new ways. One of the things they told them in training was, there is no grey, only black and white, if you see a hearse on a yellow line, you give it a ticket.

Does that also apply to council owned vehicles? The council here repeatedly park on double yellows, fully on pavement on double yellows, and school keep clear markings etc.

When I get a chance I will be taking a few photos and naming and shaming the council in s a little social media/local newspaper campaign.

rev_henry

AdrianC wrote: »

A mate of mine used to be a "genuine Police" traffic warden in a smaller town in the Chilterns. When he was made redundant, there were letters in the local paper and a petition to keep him.

Oh I saw one of those in the supermarket a few years ago. Haven't seen one since I don't think, they're all Traffic PCSOs now here.

I used to hate traffic wardens. Then I moved to a city and started riding a bicycle.

What annoys me about them round here is they spend all day targeting people overstaying in city centre bays and do very little about certain roads where parking causes actual chaos. Mancunians will know where I mean.

Spicy_McHaggis

rev_henry wrote: »

Oh I saw one of those in the supermarket a few years ago. Haven't seen one since I don't think, they're all Traffic PCSOs now here.

I used to hate traffic wardens. Then I moved to a city and started riding a bicycle.

What annoys me about them round here is they spend all day targeting people overstaying in city centre bays and do very little about certain roads where parking causes actual chaos. Mancunians will know where I mean.

That's because their role has changed, it's already been said that they are simply revenue collectors and aren't employed to or are interested in maintaining the flow of traffic.

Living in a large city other than a special event when did you last see a group of police motorcyclists working in rush hour to keep the main roads into and out of the city clear?

Times is a changing.

Spidernick

According to Paul, Rita is 'lovely' apparently!