Parking wardens scared of Brighton bouncers (From The Argus)

Parking wardens scared of Brighton bouncers

4:00pm Saturday 1st May 2010 in

By Naomi Loomes »

Skip social links
Print
Email
Comments(20)

Parking wardens are refusing to patrol in Brighton and Hove's party district over fears they could be beaten up.

The attendants are not checking for vehicles breaking traffic laws in the busiest part of the city at night time because they say they are being bullied by bouncers.

The news emerged at a public meeting of the Brighton Old Town Local Action Team discussing the problems residents are facing in the West Street, Preston Street and Middle Street areas of the city.

Community leaders told the meeting the number of cars lining the pavements in the area despite double yellow lines was a problem.

But they were stunned to be told that the reason the law wasn't being enforced was because the wardens were too scared to go there.

Regency ward councillor Jason Kitkat told the group: “I have asked why we continue to have this problem of people parking where they shouldn't and I have been told that traffic wardens are intimidated by door staff and will not walk down Preston Street after 10pm.

“It is either employees of the nightclub that are parking up or people dropping off revellers but there is a problem with bully door staff which mean these wardens are concerned for their personal safety.

“I don't want anyone to feel unsafe or come to harm but if wardens can't enforce the traffic laws of the city then we really are facing a sad situation.”

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “We are disappointed to hear of these issues in West Street and will investigate the claims further.

"This is exactly why Local Action Teams were established and it is feedback such as this which we will be acting upon.

“We would point out that Brighton and Hove is an award-winning authority for the way that it manages its night time economy.

“Our on-street parking enforcement contractor NSL works closely with Sussex Police when carrying out late night enforcement in the area, including recent joint operations in Pool Valley until 2am.

“Drivers are allowed to drop off passengers on double yellow lines but may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice if they park there.”

Inspector Vicky Harris, Sussex Police's head of licensing for Brighton and Hove, said: "I am not aware of this being reported to us as an issue, but I am meeting with local security firms next week and will raise this as a concern.

“Where problems have existed in the past we have supported the council run wardens by accompanying them on late night patrols, but I would stress that this hasn't been because of any problems with security staff."

Comments(20)

greegster says...
4:37pm Sat 1 May 10

Why don't they make having a black belt in karate a prerequisite for becoming a traffic warden.Then if any of these cardboard cut-out "tuff"bouncers give them any grief,they can make short work of them.Problem solved!