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Civil enforcement officer

Alternative titles for this job include Parking enforcement officer, parking warden, traffic warden

Civil enforcement officers make sure drivers follow parking regulations on public streets and in car parks.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£26,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a civil enforcement officer

You can get into this job through:

  • applying directly

Direct Application

There are no set qualifications to become a civil enforcement officer. Some employers may ask for GCSEs, including English and maths.

Experience of working in a customer service role is highly valued and could help you get into this job.

Your employer will provide introductory training when you start work. This will cover subjects like parking enforcement policy and the traffic regulations act.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a civil enforcement officer from the British Parking Association.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work on your own
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • patrol streets and car parks, to check regulations are being followed
  • give advice to the public on parking regulations and facilities
  • check parking tickets and issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
  • write simple reports and pocket book notes
  • authorise the clamping and removal of vehicles
  • check parking meters and car park equipment, to report damage or faults
  • report defective signs and road markings or any suspect vehicles
  • attend court or a tribunal if a parking ticket is being disputed
  • work with other professionals like police community support officers or the police, to report crimes or anti-social behaviour

You'll be using equipment like:

  • hand-held computers and printers for recording and issuing PCNs
  • two-way radios, or mobile phones, to keep in contact with supervisors
  • cameras to record vehicles that are breaking parking regulations

Working environment

You could work at a car park or on the streets.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and further training you could progress to a senior enforcement officer, supervisor or parking manager role.

The British Parking Association has details of professional parking qualifications.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a civil enforcement officer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Uniformed Public Service Level 2 First Certificate

  • Provider: ACTIVATE LEARNING
  • Start date: 11 September 2023
  • Location: Banbury

Public Service (Uniformed or Non-Uniformed) Level 3 Extended Diploma

  • Provider: BLACKBURN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 August 2023
  • Location: BLACKBURN
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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