- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work on your own
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be flexible and open to change
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of English language
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- knowledge of public safety and security
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- patrolling streets and car parks, checking regulations are being followed
- giving advice to the public on parking regulations and facilities
- checking parking tickets and issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
- writing simple reports and pocket book notes
- authorising the clamping and removal of vehicles
- checking parking meters and car park equipment, reporting damage or faults
- reporting defective signs and road markings or any suspect vehicles
- attending court or a tribunal if a parking ticket is being disputed
- working with other professionals like police community support officers or the police, to report crimes or anti-social behaviour
You'll be using equipment like:
- hand-held computers and printers for recording and issuing PCNs
- two-way radios, or mobile phones, to keep in contact with supervisors
- cameras to record vehicles that are breaking parking regulations
You may need to wear a uniform.
You could work at a car park or on the streets.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding.
With experience and further training you could progress to a senior enforcement officer, supervisor or parking manager role.
The British Parking Association has details of professional parking qualifications.
You can find out more about becoming a civil enforcement officer from the British Parking Association.
