Locals in Plymouth have recently noticed an increase in traffic wardens strolling along our streets late at night.
Officially known as civil enforcement officers, they are employed by Plymouth City Council to hand out fines to motorists.
Concerned locals contacted Plymouth Plus after mistaking enforcement officers, who wear clothing that strongly resembles police colours, for being police officers dealing with an incident.
The council has confirmed that traffic wardens can be brought in at any time and receive overtime pay for late shifts.
It comes after Plymouth Plus photographed two traffic wardens handing out fines to various motorists in the City Centre just before midnight yesterday evening.
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Plymouth City Council said it makes 'absolutely no apologies' for enforcing parking restrictions at any time of day or night.
The council made more than £2.38 million from penalty charge notices in the 2024/25 financial year.
With more people risking a parking ticket late at night and the debt of the council nearing £1 billion, ramping up enforcement efforts is one tactic the council can use to claw back the cash.
A spokesperson for Plymouth City Council told Plymouth Plus:
"We make absolutely no apologies for enforcing the restrictions that are put in place to keep all road users safe, which includes tackling irresponsible, hazardous and often dangerous parking. This applies regardless of the time of day.
"It probably comes as no surprise that many people risk contravening parking restrictions after usual business hours, when they think there is less chance of being caught, particularly in the city centre.
"Our bus lane and CCTV enforcement cameras operate 24/7 (wherever there is a 24/7 restriction in place).
"Our civil enforcement officers may be asked to work at any time within the limits of our parking orders and in accordance with our terms and conditions, which may include overtime pay for late shifts.
"They carry Council ID all times and the uniforms they wear are clearly Council-branded and meet all legal requirements.
“The total income from parking and bus lane penalty charge notices in the 2024/25 financial year was £2,380,034. This is the total gross income, before costs are deducted. All income from penalty charge notices is reinvested in the delivery of our highways and transport services.”
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