Civil enforcement officer
Parking enforcement officer, parking warden, traffic warden
Civil enforcement officers make sure drivers follow parking regulations on public streets and in car parks.
Average salary (a year)
£20000
Starter
£28000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 42.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on a rota
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job by applying directly.
Direct Application
There are no set qualifications to become a civil enforcement officer.
Experience of working in a customer service role is highly valued and could help you get into this job.
Once you start work, your employer will provide training. This will cover subjects like
parking enforcement policy, traffic regulations, evidence collection, permits, waivers and exemptions
More Information
Career Tips
Some civil enforcement jobs can include environmental reporting, like littering or fly tipping.
Further Information
You can find out more about working as a civil enforcement officer from the British Parking Association.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    The ability to understand people’s reactions
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    The ability to work on your own
    Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    Knowledge of public safety and security
    The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    Legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Other Requirements
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As a civil enforcement officer, you'll
patrol streets and car parks and check parking tickets, advise the public on local parking rules and facilities, take details and pictures of incorrectly parked vehicles and issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), report faults with parking meters and damage to road signs, attend court or a tribunal if a parking ticket is being disputed, work with police community support officers and the police to report crimes or anti-social behaviour
Working environment
You could work at a car park or on the streets.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience and further training you could become a:senior enforcement officer, team supervisor, parking manager
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.