What is a parking officer?
A parking officer, also known as a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO), is a professional employed by the council to ensure that parking rules and traffic regulations are followed. Parking officers contribute to public safety, the local economy, and the city’s well-being. Beyond enforcement, they assist the public, provide directions, and are often the first to respond to incidents, ensuring the city remains safe and accessible.
They keep the roads safe, accessible and moving for everyone including emergency services, pedestrians, cyclists, children, wheelchair users, people with prams and public transport.
Their dedication often goes unrecognised, with abuse directed at parking officers rising in the past 12 months.
Misconceptions about parking officers
Parking officers do not receive bonuses, incentives or commission for issuing tickets. They’re paid a fixed salary, and their focus is on ensuring compliance with parking regulations and maintaining public safety. They do not have set targets to meet.
Parking enforcement is designed to encourage compliance, improve traffic flow, and enhance road safety. Any surplus income generated from parking enforcement is ring-fenced in accordance with legislation and is reinvested in transport and highway-related services.
The abuse our parking officers face
Cases of abuse have been increasing, ranging from daily verbal insults to violent confrontations. Incidents from this year include an officer being spat at in the face, an officer having a drink thrown over them and officers being punched to the ground. These incidents take a significant emotional, mental, and physical toll on staff.
Officers are people first – parents, grandparents, siblings, friends – carrying out an important and often challenging public duty.
Where appropriate, incidents are investigated and followed up internally and with partner agencies, including the police. Parking officers are equipped with body-worn cameras, and footage may be used as evidence when investigating incidents, complaints or criminal offences.
Hear from some of our parking officers
Hear from our parking officers about their experiences working across the city, from connecting with and supporting the local community to helping keep the city accessible, safe and moving.
Our officers also share their personal experiences of facing verbal abuse while carrying out their roles, highlighting some of the challenges they encounter day to day.
How parking officers enforce restrictions
Parking officers enforce council-set restrictions based on clear guidelines. Handheld devices prevent tickets from being issued without meeting these criteria. It’s the driver’s responsibility to check signage and park correctly.
What is the Beyond the Uniform campaign?
The Beyond the Uniform campaign is a UK public information initiative launched in January 2025 by Brighton & Hove City Council and North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) in partnership with PATROL, to humanise parking officers and combat a sharp rise in verbal and physical abuse against parking and traffic staff.
