Councils banned from setting traffic warden targets

Councils are to be banned from setting targets for the number of parking tickets wardens issue.

And under the new rules it will also be illegal for traffic wardens to be rewarded with prizes such as TVs, holidays and cars.

The new rules come into force on 1 March next year under the Traffic Management Act 2004.

The move follows criticism of "over-zealous" wardens and councils by MPs and motoring organisations.

Many local authorities have abandoned ticketing targets and adopted "key performance indicators" based on quality of service instead.

However, campaigners claim some have used the indicators as a smokescreen to continue with setting targets.

Barrie Segal, founder of Appealnow.com, said: "After all the bad publicity that targets attracted, many councils thought they could get away with them by calling them something else.

"Many still order their attendants to meet a quota. It means tickets are dished out to drivers who do not deserve them."

Department for Transport guidance says that instead of judging wardens by tickets issued, councils should consider "compliance statistics", how many drivers appeal against fines and the impact enforcement has on road safety and congestion.