HC Deb 31 March 1988 vol 130 cc683-4W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many traffic wardens were deployed in each London borough during the last three completed years.

Mr Douglas Hogg

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the information in the form requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The traffic warden service was restructured under the reorganisation of the force and responsibility for operational matters devolved to areas. The number of traffic wardens in each of the areas at the end of the last two years was as follows:

31 December 1986 31 December 1987
No. 1 Area (North) 185 154
No. 2 Area (East) 89 100
No. 3 Area (South East) 169 156
No. 4 Area (South) 189 153
No. 5 Area (South West) 75 77
No. 6 Area (West) 176 156
No. 7 Area (North West) 196 187
No. 8 Area (Central) 429 413
1,508 1,396

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has, pursuant to his reply of 11 March,Official Report, column 357, on the reasons for the reduction of traffic wardens in London between 31 December 1984 and 31 December 1987.

Mr Douglas Hogg

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the fall in the number of traffic wardens is due to a high level of resignations and a shortfall in recruitment. Dissatisfaction with pay and conditions are given as the main reasons for resignation. A scrutiny of the traffic warden service has made recommendations for improvements which are being considered.