'We've got a job to do' - life as a traffic warden

Andy Hawke said he just wants to keep traffic flowing smoothly

Cornwall Council is struggling to recruit traffic wardens, with 10 vacancies out of 35, and is inviting people to spend time on patrol in an effort to find applicants.

Andy Hawke, a full-time enforcement officer in Newquay, said: "Come along and give it a go."

On his first round of the day in the seaside town, Mr Hawke spots three cars parked in a loading bay where there is a five-minute waiting time.

“We have time limited bays and we try to keep them free flowing so customers can use the local businesses,” he said.

Civil Enforcement office Andrew Hawke puts a ticket on an illegally parked van

He issues a notice for a motorbike parked illegally on the pavement and after five minutes have passed two of the cars have left but one remains so he issues a ticket.

While he is doing this a passer-by tells him he should “get a proper job”.

Mr Hawke said: "You do get to hear that quite a lot.

"It's not nice at all but we are here working and we've got a job to do."

A large truck pulls into one of the loading bays having witnessed what has happened.

The driver praises the traffic warden.

"It's really handy because they're normally blocked by cars which makes our job a little bit difficult," he said.

"Everybody has a job to do and there needs to be a bit of law and order otherwise it would be absolute chaos."

A ticket is put on a motorbike for parking on the pavement

Mr Hawke's primary role is to enforce the traffic regulations in Newquay but it's not just giving out parking tickets.

"We do some community patrols and checking for dogs on beaches when they're banned," he said.

"We give advice to make sure people pick up after their dogs and if we see people littering we have the ability to issue fixed penalty notices, so the role is extremely varied."

Martin Alvey is Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for environment, and said: “The starting salary is around £25k a year and there are opportunities to earn up to more than £30k.

"They get training and earn a City and Guilds qualification and they can progress to their career to other roles within the council in public protection.”

Asked why the council was struggling to recruit for the role, he said: “Maybe people think they get grief from the public but these days we see it much more as an engagement exercise.

"I want them to be seen as the friendly face of the council not to be seen as Mr Nasty or Mr Jobsworth.”

The council hopes people will be encouraged to apply for the jobs.

It said: "Civil enforcement officers work in some of Cornwall’s most beautiful locations, from bustling towns to scenic beaches, and play a crucial role in keeping their local communities safe.

"The job is more varied than many people think, and no two days will ever be the same. There’s also the opportunity for real career progression."

The taster sessions are available for anyone interested in learning more about the role.