Traffic warden issues 500th fine

Angela Powell has already earned a no-nonsense reputation

A prolific Warwickshire traffic warden has issued her 500th ticket - after less than three weeks in the job.

Angela Powell prowls the streets of Nuneaton and Bedworth dispensing immediate justice to illegal parkers.

Speaking for the first time about her role, she said some drivers had begun playing "cat and mouse" with her, by "diving into the car and speeding off".

And despite her tireless devotion to tracking down wrong-doers, she said the majority of feedback had been positive.

'Not worth it'

"Most people understand that illegal parking in the borough puts our pedestrians in danger and makes it difficult for vehicles trying to negotiate congested roads," Ms Powell said.

"Illegal parking also affects the trade of local businesses whose customers cannot easily access their stores.

Ms Powell is on the look-out for every type of law-breaker

"It costs just 70p to park in any of the council car parks for an hour as opposed to a £30 fine if you park illegally and pay within 28 days."

Ms Powell - who took up her post on 4 July and issued her 500th ticket 17 days later - warned drivers that she does not see the funny side when they try to escape her attentions.

"It is becoming a bit of a joke for some motorists playing cat and mouse with me - diving in the car and speeding off.

"This really concerns me as someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed one day. It isn't worth it."

Angela is doing a great job and we at the borough council fully support her Councillor Dennis Harvey

And Ms Powell made it clear that it is not only illegal parkers who need to mend their ways.

"It's not just about issuing tickets," she said.

"As I walk around the town, I am also checking road tax discs and have already reported a number of motorists to the DVLA."

Councillor Dennis Harvey said: "We are happy to jointly fund this post, working with the police and county council, to try and alleviate the problems caused to shopkeepers, pedestrians and other motorists alike.

"Angela is doing a great job and we at the borough council fully support her."