We are, with the support of the police, ambulance, public health and others, calling out #Unacceptable abuse on our key workers.
There are, regretfully, an increasing number of threats against our frontline staff. It’s horribly sad to hear our colleagues having to face abuse as they try to go about their daily job and go home to their families. There are some of our officers who cannot do their jobs from home – which is in line with Government advice.
Civil Enforcement Officers protecting YOU
Council-owned car parks are currently free. Yet we still have enforcement officers on the streets. Why?
- They keep the traffic flow (reduced though it should be) moving through towns.
- They ensure it is clear for emergency service vehicles to pass through.
- They ensure that disabled bays are free for our most vulnerable residents to use
- They help keep loading bays free for the crucial deliveries to the supermarkets and pharmacies that we all need at this challenging time. Without an enforcement presence, many of these bays would be blocked. There are a minority of drivers that are inconsiderate and disrespectful of the needs of others.
One of our enforcement officers shares her experience…
“I was working in a large Dorset town recently, when a 4X4 parked outside the Boots store right on the zig zag lines. I asked him to move along and instead park behind the store where the car park is currently free. I received a load of swear words and abusive shouts of “haven’t you got anything better to do?”. My point is, those zig zags lines show where it is safe for pedestrians to cross. Opposite, there was a large queue outside Boots. Many people need to get their vital prescriptions. Drivers take it very personally that I’m asking them to move on. I’m just trying to do my job and ensure the roads are safe for other users and pedestrians.”
Working closely with the police to safeguard Dorset
“Many of the people I have asked have told me they have come from London, Salisbury, or other areas outside Dorset. We then politely ask them to move on. If they are reluctant to do so, we call the police to have them moved. We’ve also called the police to large groups of cars or camper vans that we see whilst on duty.
“We are proud to be part of the effort to protect Dorset.”
Matt Prosser, Chief Executive of Dorset Council, says:
Matt Prosser, Chief Executive of Dorset Council, said: “It is really sad to hear some of our officers and volunteers have received verbal abuse while carrying out essential work in our towns and villages. They are working hard to keep critical services and support available at this time.
“For example, if you park across a loading bay or on double yellow lines, it may mean essential deliveries to a local pharmacy cannot be made or access for emergency service vehicles is severely restricted. That’s why we are continuing to enforce these simple traffic regulations.
“Or think of the uniformed care worker who is visiting to help a local resident at home. They don’t take up a valuable hospital bed. They have a vital role to play and need our support, not criticism or abuse.
“Our key workers are following the rules around social distancing to stay safe and help protect our NHS whilst keeping vital supply chains going. Please respect our colleagues as they do their work during these difficult times.”
You can find out more about our response to the COVID-19 crisis here.
These people/morons run very little risk or pain to themselves in being abusive. They need to be hit hard in the pocket and their identities well publicised. Then in time, like the dread COVID, they will no longer be such a huge problem.