Lib Dems call for review of traffic wardens

9.52.41am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 16th Jul 2006

Bromley Council Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr David McBride has asked for a review to be held in to whether the Borough's traffic wardens are issuing tickets in line with Council priorities.

The call, at question time at the recent Council meeting, comes after reports of residents in quiet residential roads being ticketed and that traffic wardens are being paid bonuses depending on the amount of tickets issued.

Cllr David McBride gave two examples from his own Ward where residents have been harshly dealt with. One is a narrow cul-de-sac where residents need to park on the pavement so that emergency vehicles can get through. The other is a quiet country lane in St Paul's Cray village where residents were ticketed for parking on a low-level pavement.

"I do not condone those who deliberately and regularly flout parking restrictions," said Cllr McBride. "However, surely the emphasis ought to be on making sure our town centres are clear and the areas round our schools are safe, not seeking out easy targets in quiet residential areas. The emphasis needs to get back to safety and ease of movement, not money making for the Council."