THE North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) has launched a pilot campaign in Harlow to address increasing violence and aggression faced by its Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs).
Titled “Beyond the Uniform”, the campaign comes in response to a sharp 175% rise in reported verbal and physical assaults on staff over the past three years.
This past year, NEPP has seen its highest ever number of incidents, with incidents being reported almost daily and more than 100 incidents recorded since April. CEOs face diverse forms of abuse, including spitting, racial and homophobic slurs, sexual harassment, physical threats, and even being deliberately driven at. These incidents take a significant emotional, mental, and physical toll on staff.
“Beyond the Uniform” seeks to foster respect and empathy for CEOs by highlighting their humanity. It urges the public to see beyond the uniform, recognising CEOs as individuals – parents, grandparents, and friends – who contribute positively to their communities.
Often misunderstood, CEOs not only issue penalties for illegal parking but also ensure road safety for schoolchildren, facilitate emergency vehicle access, and maintain accessibility for disabled individuals, among other crucial responsibilities.
For ease of understanding and to support the Positive Parking Agenda, which NEPP is a founding member of, Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) are referred to as ‘Parking Officers’ in the campaign materials.
Running until April, the campaign features digital and print marketing alongside pop-up community engagement events. These events will be held at The Hub in the Harvey Shopping Centre from 10am to 2pm, on 11 February, 22 February, and 18 March.
Funding for the campaign was awarded jointly last year to NEPP and Brighton & Hove City Council by Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London (PATROL) through its Driving Improvement Awards programme. PATROL is the statutory joint committee of other 300 local authorities in England (outside London) and Wales that enforce civil parking and other traffic restrictions. NEPP and Brighton are spearheading the Beyond the Uniform campaign ahead of a planned national roll-out by PATROL to its wider authority membership later in the year.
Councillor Paul Honeywood, Chair of the North Essex Parking Partnership, said: “Our CEOs play a vital role in keeping our roads safe, clear and accessible for everyone. The abuse they face is deeply troubling and completely unacceptable. This national pilot campaign is a vital step in protecting our staff, fostering public understanding of their invaluable role, and promoting a culture of respect.”
Laura Padden, Director of PATROL, said: “‘The “Beyond the Uniform” campaign highlights that staff working in parking and traffic enforcement are everyday people, with families and hobbies like everyone else. Their work is challenging and is often met with an entrenched negative public perception that makes them, as individuals, the target of unjustifiable abuse on our streets.
“The shocking incidents reported in recent years underscore just how urgent the issue of enforcement staff abuse is, and I’m proud that PATROL is backing this important initiative. By showcasing the stories of enforcement staff, we hope to inspire a shift in attitudes and ensure these essential workers, helping to keep roads safe and traffic moving, are supported not targeted.”
Harlow Council Councillor Nicky Purse, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: “This is an important campaign that raises awareness around the inexcusable abuse our Parking Officers experience for doing what is undoubtedly an incredibly important and challenging job which keeps our roads and pedestrians safe from irresponsible parking.
“We hope that this campaign encourages people to reflect on their behaviour and attitude towards Parking Officers, to see the people beyond the uniform and the positive work they do to protect our town and communities.”
Further information about the campaign, including materials, can be found on the NEPP’s website at north.parkingpartnership.org/beyondtheuniform.
ENDS