Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) is the new name for Parking Attendants, or Traffic Wardens as they are often still called. The Traffic Management Act 2004 specifies this new name because as the name implies, the prime function of a CEO is to enforce legislation governed by Civil Law.
CEOs are employed primarily to enforce parking restrictions in order to maintain a free flow of traffic, to help keep pedestrians safe and to ensure that all parking requirements are being complied with. As a uniformed presence on the streets, they contribute towards the council's aims in terms of combating crime and the fear of crime. They are in radio contact with community wardens, police support officers, dog wardens and resort services staff so can help with incidents and problems around the borough and can also play a part in safety and crime reduction initiatives such as ‘bar watch’ and ‘shop watch’.
CEOs patrol the streets and the car parks 7 days a week, from 7am to 9pm. They do not work to targets or quotas but in order to achieve compliance with parking regulations, they are instructed to issue a penalty charge notice (PCN) whenever a vehicle is found to be in contravention of a parking restriction. They normally give an observation period to check whether loading is taking place or if the driver is in the vicinity at a pay and display machine, purchasing a ticket. Note however that certain contraventions, such as waiting on zig zag lines or in bus stop clearways require no observation period and the penalty is instant. If the driver has not returned following the observation period, the vehicle is checked for valid permits, tickets or notes and if necessary, a PCN is issued.
Once the PCN has been issued, photographs are taken as evidence of the vehicle in contravention and notes are made in the CEO's pocket book or hand held computer. Photographs are helpful in cases of a challenge but are not compulsory. In bad weather or if it is dark they are unlikely to be useful so the evidence mainly relied upon are the notes made at the time. No photographs are allowed to be taken if there are occupants in or around the vehicle.
If the driver returns whilst the PCN is being issued, it can be served upon the motorist instead of being fixed to the windscreen. Once issued, the CEO must not take back the PCN but will advise the motorist to follow the instructions on the PCN, or to contact the Parking Office for advice. The CEO does not have the authority to give opinions on the possible outcome of any challenge and is not obliged to stay at the scene if being verbally abused or threatened. All CEOs are equipped with radios and can call for assistance if necessary, either to help members of the public with their queries or to call for help if under threat.
Any physical or verbal abuse of the CEO is recorded and if serious, will be reported immediately to the Police. Hastings Borough Council will not tolerate abuse of its staff and will take action in all cases.
Back to top of page...
This page last updated: 28/03/2008