This footage was filmed and produced 23 June 2023.

[WARNING: Sensitive content]

Incidents of abuse against Coventry City Council staff have escalated, as depicted in recently released bodycam footage showing two parking wardens being verbally and physically assaulted while patrolling Victory Road.

The footage captured by the body camera worn by one of the parking wardens revealed the altercation that ensued after the officers ticketed cars parked illegally. According to the authorities, a member of the public engaged in verbal abuse towards the officers and physically assaulted one of them by throwing him to the ground upon noticing a ticket on his van.

Coventry City Council uploaded the video to shed light on the increasing abuse encountered by frontline Council employees. The body cameras, mandatory for all parking wardens in the city, serve both as a deterrent and as a means to gather audio and video evidence that can aid in investigations and prosecutions by the Council or law enforcement.

Officials reported a surge in abuse incidents faced by the Council's Civil Enforcement Officers. Both male and female officers have suffered violent attacks, such as physical assaults like punches, kicks, and spitting, in addition to being driven at by speeding vehicles. They have also been subjected to having objects like full drinks bottles, cans, liquids, eggs, and even a road sign hurled at them.

Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council, Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, condemned the escalating abuse, emphasizing that council staff diligently work to support the city's residents and that such behavior will not be tolerated. He vowed legal action against individuals who engage in abusive conduct towards Council staff.

Khan highlighted the importance of cooperation with residents and warned the abusive minority that appropriate measures, including involving the police and pursuing legal repercussions, will be taken to safeguard Council employees. He expressed gratitude towards those who collaborate positively with the Council for their ongoing support.