Council issues bodycams to its parking wardens
PA MediaA council contractor plans to issue body-worn cameras to parking wardens in part of Kent.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council said from Monday officers would wear cameras "to help support evidence gathering and safety whilst they are working".
A BBC investigation in January found 83 physical assaults had been recorded on parking staff in Kent since 2020.
"Safety of officers on the ground is of the utmost importance, as well as the drivers and residents they interact with," said cabinet member for transport, Polly Blakemore.
The councillor said: "This extra level of protection ensures that any evidence of violence or abuse towards our teams while they carry out their role is recorded and shared with the police."
According to the council, the cameras would not be used for parking enforcement, only for warden safety purposes, and officers could not view or edit the footage.
Dozens of the borough and district councils in Kent, Sussex and Surrey previously confirmed enforcement staff used body-worn video cameras for protection.
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