Traffic wardens get head cameras

Pictures from the camera are downloaded at the end of each shift

Traffic wardens in Greater Manchester are being fitted with head cameras.

Every Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) in Bolton will have a camera on their cap, to record events on their shift.

The technology will help cut attacks, improve evidence of parking offences, and ensure wardens do not "overstep their powers", Bolton Council said.

In the past three years in the town, there have been 53 "code red" incidents, which include attacks and wardens being threatened with a weapon.

A further 12 "code yellow" cases, which include verbal abuse, have been reported.

'Think twice'

The CEOs, responsible for off-street parking in the town, will download the video at the end of each shift.

Councillor Ismail Ibrahim, of Bolton Council, said: "A minority of people think that civil enforcement officers are a legitimate target for verbal and physical abuse, and the fact that they are being filmed on camera should hopefully make people think twice.

"The footage can also be examined to ensure CEOs are not overstepping their powers and that they are acting in a courteous and professional manner.

"They will also be crucial in gathering evidence on the circumstances of why a penalty charge notice has been issued.

"Often it can boil down to one person's word against another and we will now have the video evidence to help clear up any doubts."

Traffic wardens in Salford were the first in the UK to try the head cameras, in 2007.