Cllr david marren with parking enforcement officers who could wear body cameras

Parking enforcement officers in Nantwich could soon be wearing body cameras to combat aggressive motorists.

The officers will be issued with body cameras to protect themselves during potentially volatile disputes.

Use of the cameras is to be trialled by a small number of enforcement officers.

And if it works, the council could issue them to all members of the enforcement team.

The council says the scheme is about protecting Cheshire East residents as well as traffic patrols who enforce parking regulations on and off street.

Last year, Nantwich Cllr David Marren (pictured) spearheaded a crackdown with enforcement officers on rogue motorists in the town after many complaints.

Body cameras would capture evidence if officers faced confrontation or even physical assault from irate motorists.

Cllr Les Gilbert, Cabinet member for communities and enforcement, said: “We will not tolerate the appalling behaviour and abuse some of our enforcement officers have been subjected to.

“Fortunately incidents of abuse or violence towards our teams in Cheshire East are few and far between.

“However, there have been one or two pretty unpleasant events where capturing the evidence on camera would have helped to prosecute an offender.

“Our civil enforcement officers do an excellent job for the benefit of our residents, some of whom have expressed their frustrations to the council when witnessing motorists who flagrantly breach on-street and off-street parking orders, including taking up blue badge spaces for the disabled.

“They also do an excellent job in helping the public with advice and information, even first aid, and do not deserve to suffer abuse or assault.”

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