POLICE have been praised for action taken against a motorist who verbally abused a parking warden.

The warden had asked the motorist to move his car in Market Place at Faversham. His behaviour prompted town centre police constable, Alan Godden, to issue him with an £80 fine for disorder.

PC Godden said later: “The parking warden had recognised that the man driving in the town which is against the regulations. When asked to move his car, he became very abusive and swore at her.

"At this point I was called and issued the man with a ticket for disorder.

“We will fully support our parking wardens. They have a hard job to do and are not there to be abused.”

Anti-social behaviour officer for the Community Safety Partnership, Tina Grafton, said: “The police dealt with this incident quickly and efficiently and I hope that their actions will deter people from behaving in this antisocial way.”

Parking manager for Swale council, Mrs Wilson stressed: "It is not acceptable for any person to suffer verbal or physical abuse just for doing their job. We will not tolerate aggressive behaviour towards our employees and will involve the police when our wardens are threatened.

“Parking enforcement is one of the most important jobs that we as a local authority do, but it is also one of the most controversial. Effective parking control is vital to keep traffic flowing freely, protect the rights of local residents and businesses and provide access for emergency services.”