Traffic wardens travel on buses to tackle delays

Traffic wardens are set to travel on buses in a bid to improve bus reliability and tackle delays.

Civil enforcement officers will ride on buses across Plymouth to identify vehicles illegally parked in bus stops, bus lanes and other locations which could disrupt journeys, bosses said.

The project, funded through the Department for Transport's bus service improvement plan, forms part of Plymouth's enhanced bus partnership programme - to deliver faster, more reliable and more accessible bus services across the city.

City council member John Stephens said travelling with enforcement officers meant they would be able to "identify issues as they happen and take action where needed".

The cabinet member for strategic planning and transport added: "Every day, buses are delayed by vehicles parked where they shouldn't be; whether that's in bus stops, bus lanes or other locations that prevent services from operating efficiently.

"These delays don't just affect timetables. They affect people trying to get to work, school, appointments and home again."

Civil enforcement officer John has been in the role for 11 years.

"I like to keep the streets safe for pedestrians and buses," he said. "It's all about health and safety at the end of the day."

He said some of the issues buses faced including drivers parked on yellow lines or in bus stops.

"Nobody ever wants a parking fine," said Darren Stoneman from the city council.

"If you choose to park in an area which is an unsafe, or there's restrictions to say you can't park there, then, unfortunately, you may well end up having to pay a fine."

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