Janice R. Andrews
A Labour-led council in southwest London is drawing criticism for using parking wardens with novice drivers to cite fully certified drivers for infractions.
Using mopeds with learner plates, civil enforcement officers—who apparently make more money than many nurses—patrol residential streets in Lambeth, arresting drivers who break parking laws. The programme, which is run under a private contract with parking company Apcoa, has sparked worries about money-laundering through the use of loopholes, potentially totaling to £35 million in parking fines every year.
Opponents contend that the employment of learner wardens, who have only had rudimentary training and do not hold valid licenses, fosters a “cowboy” approach to law enforcement. Locals have questioned the efficiency and fairness of the system after expressing surprise at receiving penalties from students.
The incident came to light when a novice warden issued a ticket to elderly Richard Hughes for parking in an area where there were construction works that should have been suspended. Hughes referred to the enforcement as “draconian” and denounced the alleged manipulation aimed at trapping drivers instead of enhancing road conditions.
The identical strategy used in adjacent Bromley has prompted parallels between Lambeth Council’s approach and its own. Both councils rely on Apcoa to oversee parking services; Lambeth has had a contract with Apcoa since 2016, valued at about £35 million.
Brian Gregory of the Alliance of British Drivers demanded regulatory monitoring in the face of growing criticism in order to stop what he called “cowboy behavior” among local authorities. He pushed for the creation of an impartial agency to examine enforcement procedures and punish noncompliance.
Learner moped use is justified by Apcoa, which pointed to the vehicles’ low emissions and adaptability for covering wide boroughs. They denied any incentive-based targeting of drivers for penalties, instead an emphasis on adherence to insurance and licensing requirements.
In response, Lambeth council stated that, in accordance with applicable laws, they use both foot patrols and electric scooters as part of their parking services that prioritize both safety and convenience. They denied establishing enforcement goals and restated that penalty charge notices are only issued for breaking rules.
The Department for Transport stressed that all law enforcement officials using motor vehicles are expected to comply with the law, even though it deferred to the authority of local authorities and Transport for London about penalty fines.
The dispute concerning the employment of learner wardens by Lambeth Council brings to light more general worries regarding how to strike a balance in urban administration between parking enforcement and equity.
