We’re in a fine mess (From This Is Local London)

We’re in a fine mess

10:20am Wednesday 17th August 2005 in

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TRADERS have hit out at a traffic warden they say is scaring away many of their customers.

Last August, News Shopper reported how business had plummeted because people were scared to park due to his zero-tolerance policy.

A year on, the traders say the ticket terror has become notorious in Station Road, Longfield, for being antagonistic and hard to reason with.

They say he has even been beaten up while on duty, with the most recent ruckus only a couple of weeks ago.

Traders say customers are still staying away because they fear the traffic warden.

Spaces for customers were previously available outside shops but were replaced with loading bays and disabled parking spaces.

Business owners have spoken to the council several times about getting parking arrangements on the street changed but so far have had no success.

They also believe their village is targeted because it provides rich pickings for traffic wardens who have launched a full assault in the high street.

Hair Underground manager Russell Watson said: "They seem to blitz up at busy times.

"We think they are still hitting the village they know they can make money out of."

Longfield Village Butchers' owner Michael Jones says people phone ahead to place an order and then rush into the shop to collect it to avoid the warden.

He said: "People dash in and say Have you seen him?'"

Mr Jones says other traffic wardens patrolling the village are more lenient but customers are annoyed with the manner of this particular warden.

He said: "It is because of his attitude.

"The way he talks to people antagonises them."

Another trader said the warden does not help the village as there is not enough parking to access the smaller shops.

Dartford Council deputy leader Councillor Jeremy Kite, who is also chairman of the Longfield and New Barn Parish Council, said: "In rural locations such as Longfield, we hope council parking attendants contribute to the smooth working of the village and deal sensibly with parking issues.

"We will look again at our operations in the village but it is important for motorists to respect the traffic orders in place.

"The parish council is currently conducting a review of parking in the village and we will work with them to find a solution.

"We all want to see the same thing, a village which is safe and attractive for shoppers and residents."

A Dartford Council spokesman said: "Longfield has traffic issues and we fully support members of staff who are carrying out their job and helping to ease traffic flow in this congested area.

"They perform a vital traffic management role.

"They help residents, shoppers and businesses to go about their daily activities."