Complaints against local wardens (2)

With reference to the numerous letters attacking local wardens, I myself was a parking attendant in Edinburgh and even after decades they are still constantly receiving the same criticism in the local and national press. All our wardens and parking attendants are trained in their knowledge of the Road Traffic Act, which no doubt Malta also has, to ensure the wardens are there to help motorists as well as issue tickets.

To all those who complain - when was the last time you read the Highway Code? The law brooks no exceptions when it comes to illegal parking. All 'no parking' areas are to prevent accidents and fatalities in built-up areas and to help reduce congestion problems, especially at peak hours, not to annoy the motorist and make it as difficult as possible for them to conduct their business.

Wardens should be competent in their duties, but mistakes will be made as they are human too. Yes, wardens are human, a fact which from experience too many motorists forget. Too often, while being issued a ticket as a result of breaking the law, motorists develop an aggressive and abusive manner.

However if someone feels they have been unfairly issued a ticket for a road traffic offence then the appeal system is available but this must look at each individual situation with some degree of fairness.

This system should also be used to highlight wardens who repeatedly issue inappropriate tickets so they can be taken off the streets and made to undergo a refresher course. If this action does not correct their ability to perform their duties with an acceptable degree of common sense then employment should be terminated.

Parking in any town or city is a problem and always will be, but there are a few ways that would improve the situation for both the motorist and the wardens. Parking meters, giving everyone the same chance of parking, should be installed; besides, they provide good revenue. Local councils could then use this revenue for upgrading the road system.

Signs and lines must be clear at all times. It is not acceptable to book someone who is in an area where there used to be lines or are so faded they are virtually impossible to see. Loading bays and loading times should also be clearly marked so that all drivers making deliveries are aware of any restrictions and therefore can adjust their delivery times accordingly. Deliveries sometimes have to be made in the allocated times or within areas allocated for no parking. Is there any system to allow dispensation for these occasions?

If the above was all in force and maintained then the answer would be very simple - no-one forces a motorist to break the law but if you chose to do so then expect to pay the penalty.

I have always advised drivers in the past that once parked they should walk around the vehicle to check for signs or lines to ensure they are legally parked, and if they have any doubt about the area they should move the vehicle to a place where they are confident of legal parking. Never use the argument "well, other cars were parked in the same area", as they too may be illegally parked.

Lastly, imagine if no traffic or parking enforcement were in place. Would it be very long before there was total chaos, flared tempers, road rage but worst of all, a horrendous rise in fatalities?