David Hume, GMB organiser in Glasgow City Council, said: “Parking attendants already face horrific abuse and aggression every day on the streets of Glasgow. They need the full support of management, greater protection and rigorous risk assessments.
“Their managers should be working tirelessly to reduce the risks and abuse they endure every day instead of adding to them.”
And last month it was revealed that officers had used the powers 1,362 times since they were introduced in March.
Police chiefs said they were now considering the next phase of their response and looking at “systemic issues”, considering occupying premises near the Four Corners alongside council enforcement staff and third-sector organisations.
Parking attendants are expected to patrol 12 Beat – which includes St Enoch Square and surrounding streets – solo.
They say a request came from bosses last week to start reporting any wrong-doing seen in the area to senior management at the end of their shift. They say they were not told how the information will be used.
One warden said: “I’ve been spat on, shoved, and called every name under the sun.
“It is horrendous and now I’m meant to be reporting crime too? It’s just another target on our back.
“The job is hard enough without being asked to look out for criminals. That is not our job and even the suggestion that it might be will only bring us more abuse.”
Another long-serving warden said: “It’s no secret. Anyone going into the city sees things have got worse.
“It can be an angry, angry place. People see our uniform and think it’s acceptable to shout and bawl at us. And it’s not just drivers, just random folk in the street think we’re fair game.
“I walked past some guy this week and he just started calling me the most disgusting names. You try to ignore it but it gets to you because it’s so relentless.
“You swallow the stress of it, all day, every day, then go home feeling like your head is going to explode.”
David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scotland Police Federation, said the city does not have enough police officers to provide the protection needed.
He said: “Traffic wardens are not police officers, and they should never be expected to undertake responsibilities that could place them at additional risk of violence, intimidation or retaliation.
“We fully support the concerns raised by the GMB. These workers are already carrying out a difficult job and should not be placed in situations where their personal safety could be compromised..
“We do not have enough police officers to provide the visible, proactive policing that our communities deserve.
“Areas such as Glasgow’s Four Corners require a consistent and visible police presence.
“If the council has concerns about criminal activity in this area, the appropriate response is to work directly with Police Scotland to address those concerns.”
Glasgow City Council said staff were being encouraged to report issues so bosses could build an accurate picture of what they are encountering during their work.
A spokesman said: “Staff safety and well-being is always an absolute priority.
“Any abuse directed towards our staff is completely unacceptable and we always seek to ensure the correct procedures needed to support staff appropriately are in place.
Our health and safety reporting systems do not currently indicate specific issues with the city centre compared to other areas.
“Liaison with Police Scotland also provided information that gave reassurance about the city centre and helped to ensure our risk assessment for frontline city centre operatives remains up-to-date and accurate.
However, we have encouraged staff to report any observations they make during the course of their duties, which would allow us to make adjustments to our working practices where necessary.”
In April, it emerged around 100 Glasgow parking warden roles were empty as council chiefs considered alternative options to fill the posts.
Paul Sweeney, Glasgow MSP for Scottish Labour, said: “Glasgow City Council has a responsibility to ensure its staff can carry out their duties safely, with clear guidance and robust protections in place.
https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-traffic-wardens-ordered-spy-34799816
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