Council bosses have admitted some of Manchester’s new breed of traffic wardens haven’t even passed their driving test.
A team of ‘civil enforcement officers’ – who patrol the city on scooters – have been spotted sporting L-plates.
One motorist described it as ‘farcical’ that learner drivers were being used to enforce traffic restrictions.
Fifteen wardens are employed by Manchester council, through contractors NSL Services Group.
A council spokesman admitted ‘less than half’ do not have full licences but would not give an exact figure.
A spokesman for NSL said the officers had completed the compulsory basic training required before new riders can take to the road with L-plates.
But he admitted that some did not yet have full licences, for which they need to pass a theory and practical test.
One 38-year-old motorist, who spotted the wardens ticketing in Didsbury, said: “I find it farcical that people who have not passed their driving or riding test can be granted powers to issue parking tickets to qualified drivers.
“It’s like a high court judge with no legal qualifications giving out prison sentences.”
Manchester council said scooters had been used since 2000 to better cover areas not easily accessible on foot.
A spokesman for NSL Services said: “All our scooter riders are fully trained and qualified, and a large number of them do have full bike licences.
“The remaining scooter riders have completed their compulsory basic training and are using L plates temporarily until they receive their full licences.”
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Black Flag (09/03/2010 at 09:49)
That's what magistrates do all the time.
Alan Partridge, Linton Travel Tavern (09/03/2010 at 10:21)
Not really, it's quite like a high court judge, who doesn't have a driving licence issuing a punishment for drink driving. I really can't see the issue with this. Most of the drivers on the road haven't got a clue about the highway code/road traffic act so a full licence means nothing.
Baldrick (09/03/2010 at 10:22)
Another slow story day for the MEN?
manxmike (09/03/2010 at 10:31)
expatblue , Australia (09/03/2010 at 10:36)
Seasick Gary (09/03/2010 at 10:39)
A lot. You can't enforce rules that you aren't properly aware of. Have you ever tried contesting a ticket? You get several warning letters all advising the rising fine, what you have to pay if you are unsuccessful so most people just give up at a certain point when they see they may owe something like £300. The ex head of parking somehwere down south said that his council relied on that and knew that most people would just give in and pay even if they thought they were in the right.
You woudl expect a referee to have had hands on knowlegde of football rather than just reading up the rules in a book and then going out to referee the Cup Final.
I would also be very interested to hear how the council gets insurance for learner drivers. I am required to drive in my job and if I turned up for the interview saying that I only had a provisional licence I would not get the job. For one it is unsafe, secondly what if I don't pass the test (claim for dismissal, human rights etc) and just as important teh council would have to pay a damn site more to insure unlicenced drivers! What awaste of money.
Alan the Drum, Moston (09/03/2010 at 10:56)
Neale and Pray, Stockport (09/03/2010 at 11:04)
The bike is just a mode of transport and has nothing to do with their ability to do their job.
MPs gravy train, UK (09/03/2010 at 11:10)
Andy., Bury (09/03/2010 at 11:12)
Continued page 94.
Laura Norder, Didsbury (09/03/2010 at 11:36)
Exactly.
When my other half was giving birth, should she have refused help from the midwife because the health-care professional had never been in the same position? (pun intended) - I think not.
The Ant Hill Mob , In the Bulletproof Bomb 7 (the Roaring Plenty) (09/03/2010 at 11:38)
Maybe the ones that are found to be parking illegally should be forced to take the test again as they either don't know or don't care about traffic laws.
Well done the MEN for another exclusive no news story.
Harmindah Shah, Upper Ramsbottom (09/03/2010 at 11:39)
So motorway police, speed patols and all those coppers that shoot up and down Kingsway at 80 mph for no apparent reason don't have to have licences thenm amazing.
Mike S, Manchester (09/03/2010 at 11:42)
Harmindah Shah, Upper Ramsbottom (09/03/2010 at 11:48)
citycentre, manchester (09/03/2010 at 11:53)
"You woudl expect a referee to have had hands on knowlegde of football rather than just reading up the rules in a book and then going out to referee the Cup Final. "
Would you? How many FA cup final referees are ex profesional players?
Jay B, oldham (09/03/2010 at 12:01)
this is actually something that parking wardens are doing properly for once!
the bit that annoys me about these scooter wardens is that they actually park illegally to book vehicles. now they're supposed to book the first illegally parked vehicle the come accross. which would actually be their scooter as they're on it.
its only a technicality, but its helped several people i've whitnessed being booked in the past.
Cat Stabber, Strangeways (09/03/2010 at 12:15)
Mark,Radcliffe. (09/03/2010 at 12:19)
Donkey Stoner, Doorstep Edge (09/03/2010 at 12:38)
MPs gravy train, UK (09/03/2010 at 12:41)
Harmindah Shah, Upper Ramsbottom"
sorry you are struggling with this. Yes of course policemen that drive cars need licences. But all policemen need to manage traffic and issue tickets. They don't all drive.
semi literate simian (09/03/2010 at 12:46)
Second I really don't see why they have to be qualified drivers to apply a set of rules on parking. I assume all the whingers are qualified drivers but if you've got a ticket for parking illegally you clearly don't understand the rules either.
Finally. I'll stick up for the traffic wardens of this world. They perform an essential service. Can you imagine the chaos that would ensue if you could just abandon your car where you want when you want without fear of a ticket?
It really is quiet simple don't park illegally and you don't have to worry about getting a ticket. Simples.
J smith (09/03/2010 at 12:56)
Kin Hell, Moston (09/03/2010 at 12:59)
Womble, Westhoughton (09/03/2010 at 13:12)