The Council has re-iterated its zero-tolerance approach to threatening and abusive behaviour towards its staff, after a resident was recently fined in court for an offence under the Public Order Act.
Court proceedings were brought by the Council following an incident that took place in February 2022, where Civil Enforcement Officers were undertaking a routine patrol in the Cwmparc area. These patrols take place each day in communities across Rhondda Cynon Taf, enforcing Traffic Regulation Orders to ensure motorists are parking responsibly for the benefit of our communities.
During the patrol, officers found a vehicle to be unlawfully parked on double-yellow lines. It appeared to have a Blue Badge placed in its window, but this was not displayed correctly. Blue Badge holders must display their badge and a blue parking clock upon arrival at a permitted location. The enforcement officers asked the vehicle’s driver to show the badge so it could be checked.
Following this request the driver became abusive, began swearing at the enforcement officers, and displayed threatening behaviour towards them. The resident refused to show the blue badge and walked away, continuing to threaten the officers. The incident was caught on video.
The Council does not accept this type of behaviour towards its employees, and the incident was reported to the police. The resident was subsequently charged with an offence under Section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986, and was found guilty at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court in October 2022.
On Wednesday, November 9, the court ordered the resident to pay a £100 fine, £400 compensation, £500 court costs and a £34 victim surcharge. The resident must therefore pay a total sum of £1,034.
Roger Waters, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Director of Frontline Services, said: “The Council’s Civil Enforcement Officers undertake an important role to enforce on-street parking in local communities, with the aim of improving road safety, maintaining the flow of traffic on our roads, and ensuring there is access to and for public transport. Our officers are carrying out their patrols for the benefit and safety of members of the public.
“As an employer, the Council does not tolerate threatening or abusive behaviour towards its enforcement officers, or any other Council employee.
“The recent court proceedings brought by the Council following the incident in Cwmparc reflects how seriously we consider this matter. We will not hesitate to take further action in response to such actions, to support and protect our staff who are simply carrying out their role within our communities.”
Posted on 18/11/2022