PATROL-backed campaign to go ‘Beyond the Uniform’, shining light on staff abuse

A public information campaign, ‘Beyond the Uniform’, focused on humanising the role of parking civil enforcement officers (CEOs) and other traffic enforcement staff who experience abuse from the public, launches today.

The campaign is being spearheaded by Brighton & Hove City Council and North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) in their local areas ahead of a planned national roll-out. Brighton and NEPP were awarded funding to carry out the campaign by PATROL through its Driving Improvement Awards programme. The Awards seek to inspire and recognise local authority public awareness activities that drive positive change in the delivery of enforcement services and engagement with communities.

Parking CEOs are vital in keeping traffic moving and ensuring safe, legal parking. Their role is varied, from ensuring parking spaces remain accessible, supporting emergency services by keeping routes clear and helping those with disabilities or mobility issues to get around. Officers often also play a broader role, such as providing directions to visitors, assisting with emergencies and reporting crime or anti-social behaviour.

Recent years have seen growing reports of parking CEOs in England experiencing abuse, which can be verbal or physical. NEPP has seen a 175% increase in reported verbal and physical assaults on its enforcement staff in Essex over the past three years. Brighton has seen a 75% increase in reported incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year. Abuse is often captured on body-worn cameras by staff, including one particularly shocking incident record by Coventry City Council in 2023.

The Beyond the Uniform campaign aims to address this worrying trend, educating the public, fostering empathy and driving meaningful improvements in how enforcement staff are treated by focusing on the lives and stories of the individuals involved.

The two authorities are running separate activities in their local areas under the Beyond the Uniform brand until April and will report on the campaign’s outcomes in the summer. PATROL will then look to coordinate a national roll-out of the campaign with its wider authority membership. Information on Brighton’s campaign activities can be found here. Information on NEPP’s campaign activities can be found here.

Laura Padden, Director, PATROL:
‘The “Beyond the Uniform” campaign highlights that staff working in parking and traffic enforcement are everyday people, with families and hobbies like everyone else. Their work is challenging and is often met with an entrenched negative public perception that makes them, as individuals, the target of unjustifiable abuse on our streets.’

‘The shocking incidents reported in recent years underscore just how urgent the issue of enforcement staff abuse is, and I’m proud that PATROL is backing this important initiative. By showcasing the stories of enforcement staff, we hope to inspire a shift in attitudes and ensure these essential workers, helping to keep roads safe and traffic moving, are supported not targeted.’

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport, Parking and Public Realm, Brighton & Hove City Council:
‘Parking officers are more than their uniforms – they are integral members of our community who work tirelessly to keep Brighton & Hove running smoothly.’

‘This campaign shines a light on their dedication and humanity, while calling for a shift in public attitudes. Abuse of any kind is unacceptable. We stand firmly with our officers in promoting respect and appreciation for the essential work they do.’

Councillor Paul Honeywood, Chair, North Essex Parking Partnership, said: ‘Our CEOs play a vital role in keeping our roads safe, clear and accessible for everyone. The abuse they face is deeply troubling and completely unacceptable. This national pilot campaign is a vital step in protecting our staff, fostering public understanding of their invaluable role, and promoting a culture of respect.’