29 February 2024 , 11:50
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Shocking bodycam footage shows the moment a traffic warden was violently attacked by a fuming thug after ticketing his illegally parked van.
The civil enforcement officer was hurled to the ground after he gave the motorist a penalty charge while patrolling in the Foleshill area of Coventry. His colleague was also verbally and physically assaulted by the angry van driver following the heated dispute on Victory Road in June last year.
The video captured on body camera shows the yob charging at the traffic warden who cries out 'did you see that?' as he thrown to the pavement. Coventry City Council said aggressive incidents, including staff being punched, kicked and spat at, had doubled in the past four years.
The yob charges at the traffic warden (Coventry City Council/SWNS)Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, the council's deputy leader, said: "Council staff work hard every day to support the people of our city and we know that is appreciated by most people, but sadly cases of abuse are rising, and this cannot be allowed to continue. There are too many incidents where some people cross the line and become abusive, as in this case where two officers were simply trying to do their job and help residents.
"Abuse in any form against council staff will not be tolerated and legal action will be taken. We are there to help and support residents and we thank the vast majority of those for the way they work with us, but the message to the abusive minority is now clear we will inform police and we will look to prosecute where possible to protect our staff."
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The council introduced bodycams about six years ago to act as a deterrent, with footage captured also shared with police as evidence. They said the case is just "one of many incidents of assault and abuse" against traffic wardens which are on the increase.
The civil enforcement officer was hurled to the ground (Coventry City Council/SWNS)A council spokesperson added: "Male and female officers have been violently attacked, including being punched, kicked and spat at and being driven at by speeding vehicles. They have also had full drinks bottles and cans thrown at them, as well as liquids, eggs, and even a road sign."
The video was released yesterday (Wednesday, February 29) as part of an ongoing council campaign called 'No excuse for abuse' to cut down on violence against staff.