Parking wardens have been threatened with a crowbar and even driven at by angry motorists, it has been revealed.

Sutton police are warning people not to abuse parking wardens and that action will be taken against them if they commit such offences.

Recent incidents faced by parking enforcement officers include a motorist who drove along the pavement in Mulgrave Road, Sutton, believed to be targeting an enforcement officer. The driver was given an on-the-spot fine of £90.

Another man got a crowbar out of his boot to threaten two parking wardens who were in a Sutton Council CCTV enforcement car in Wellesley Road, Sutton.

Your Local Guardian: The dreaded CCTV spy car

A CCTV enforcement car

Fortunately a passing police patrol intervened just in time and the man was arrested on two counts of public order offences.

Another driver was suspected of using his vehicle to target an enforcement officer in Elm Grove, Sutton. They have been charged with dangerous driving and appeared at Croydon Crown Court.

There have been two other offences against parking wardens, one opposite Sutton train station and one in Wallington, which have resulted in drivers being issued with £90 fines for committing public order offences.

Police action could result in a £90 on-the-spot fine, a caution, a charge and an appearance in court depending on the severity of their offence.

If offences are racially motivated then higher sentencing tariffs apply with offenders likely to be charged and put before the courts.

Town Centre Sergeant Simon Alexander said: “Any abuse will be taken seriously and offenders will be dealt with. Such behaviour will not be tolerated. Offenders will risk getting a criminal record.”

A spokesman for the council’s parking services, said: “We get far more requests for enforcement than we do complaints. Most drivers park within the rules.

"Parking wardens do a necessary but often thankless job. They must be allowed to do this without fear or intimidation. We will always look to prosecute in such circumstances.”


TODAY'S TOP SUTTON STORIES