Why do so many of Westminster’s civil enforcement officers
(otherwise known as traffic wardens or parking attendants) have to strut around looking like members of some out-of-condition
SWAT team?
It’s partly the effect of the uniforms they wear nowadays.
These were introduced in 2008, at the same time as their remit was expanded and they gained their grand (not to say grandiose)
new job title.
But the uniforms are only part of it. Not all CEOs go out armed
to the teeth, bristling with every possible accoutrement and generally conveying the menacing impression that they mean trouble
for everyone, pedestrian or motorist, guilty or innocent. Yet a generous proportion of Westminster’s revamped wardens
choose to style themselves in a quite ridiculous manner, to the point where they seriously detract from the otherwise pleasing
nature of the environment they patrol.
The photograph on the right was taken a short distance from Burlington
Arcade, where safety and security are maintained by frock-coated beadles who are the very picture of traditional elegance.
Hidden London doesn’t expect the City of Westminster to adopt quaint Edwardian attire for its CEOs
and realises they have to carry a couple of items of bulky equipment. But is all that paramilitary paraphernalia
really necessary?
We all know that theirs is a tough job that someone has to do. But
do they have to look quite so tough while they’re doing it?
