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Know-how 12 'Don't knock the warden'
Page 65
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THE traffic warden and his kerbside charge, the meter, have almost ceased to be either news or joke material. He is now playing a useful part in traffic control and releasing numbers of trained policemen for the more serious business of crime prevention.
Many of the wardens took to traffic control naturally and easily, but others were noticeably ill-at-ease at the centre of busy crossroads and were not helped by the attitude and behaviour of certain heavyvehicle drivers who, sensing the warden's uncertainty and banking on their own nearimmunity from retribution, left braking late, took exaggerated turns to make him move, and took a delight in creeping up almost too close when his back was turned.
This game, if such it can be called, was first noticed during a morning rush hour, and was so obvious that an eye was then kept open for a pattern, if there was one.
It was soon evident that this was a topic of amused conversation in transport cafes, certain drivers considering the warden fair game for some rather doubtful, if not exactly dicey, amusement.
Fortunately, this particular form of sport began to fade in a few weeks, and the man with the yellow hat-band is now being accepted.
In reverse, however, many traffic wardens are somewhat lacking in road vehicle knowhow, quite often leaving the oncoming driver with barely enough stopping distance, particularly at pedestrian crossings. From the evidence collected over a three-week watching brief, it is all too clear that there is quite a gap in vehicle know-how between the warden and the trained and confident policeman.
That this gap is quickly being closed there is no doubt: wardens can be seen daily in company with a policeman on busy junctions, and it is evident that the problem is known and receiving attention.
Nevertheless, "micky-taking" being something of a natural heritage, it is fair comment that the warden must measure up favourably before he is afforded the undoubted respect given a police officer.
Therefore the warden has a stiff task in front of him in making up by ability what he may lack in authority. He is very much at the mercy of the traffic he controls, and both his image and efficiency can be upset by
those few drivers who think it amusing to take liberties.
Some time ago I wrote of the thought, consideration and understanding that exists between heavy-vehicle drivers, and how they will take care of each other in difficult situations without question.
The value of this practice is well known to regular road users in easing stoppages and maintaining traffic flow and safe signalling. Therefore it must be reasonable to ask for that same consideration to be afforded the thousands of wardens who are now tackling a new and tricky job, with little or nothing in the way of previous experience.
In other words, help him, and you help yourself.