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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)

£20,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 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 Civil enforcement officer

You can get into this job by applying directly.

Direct Application

There are no set qualifications to become a civil enforcement officer.

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

Once you start work, your employer will provide training. This will cover subjects like:

  • parking enforcement policy
  • traffic regulations
  • evidence collection
  • permits, waivers and exemptions

More Information

Career tips

Some civil enforcement jobs can include environmental reporting, like littering or fly tipping.

Further information

You can find out more about working as 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:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work on your own
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • 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

As a civil enforcement officer, you'll:

  • patrol streets and car parks and check parking tickets
  • advise the public on local parking rules and facilities
  • take details and pictures of incorrectly parked vehicles and issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
  • report faults with parking meters and damage to road signs
  • attend court or a tribunal if a parking ticket is being disputed
  • work with police community support officers and the police to report crimes or anti-social behaviour

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 become a:

  • senior enforcement officer
  • team supervisor
  • parking manager

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 Diploma NCFE Level 3 Yr 1 (FCFJ)

  • Provider: SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Tamworth

Diploma in Entry to the Uniformed Services (Public Service) - Level 3

  • Provider: NCG
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Kidderminster
Find courses near you

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