TWO parking wardens were put in hospital after abuse from the public spilled over into violence.

Wardens working for East Sussex County Council say they have bee squared up to, threatened and attacked.

Council chiefs are worried about the rise in incidents over the past few weeks.

One attendant, who gave his name as John, said: “You dread it when you hear someone calling out to you.”

County council cabinet member for transport Claire Dowling said wardens are often making sure roads are kept clear of illegal parking to allow emergency services access to incidents.

She said: “I find it incredibly sad that the community spirit we have seen as a result of the Covid crisis hasn’t extended to our civil enforcement team.”

John said on one occasion he was surrounded by eight people who were angry about a parking ticket being issued.

“I know it’s not me, it’s the uniform,” he said. “But you do worry when you go out. You dread it when you hear someone calling out to you, luckily most of the time it’s someone asking a question or wanting directions. Fortunately, we have a good team and we are always there to support each other.”

He added: “We will always give people a chance to move and give alternative places where they can park. We don’t want confrontation; we just want to keep the traffic flowing.

“A lot of people think we have a quota, we hear that a lot. There is no quota, if you park where you shouldn’t and don’t move, you’ll get a ticket.”

Last year, the county council reported 22 incidents to the police including eight assaults, and 18 occasions where backup was needed.

Cllr Dowling said: “There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to threaten an officer, let alone physically attack them, and these incidents will be reported to the police.

“These officers are doing a job: helping to keep our roads safe and clear for traffic, including emergency services who should not face delays getting to an emergency because of illegal parking.

“To the small number of people who cannot see how unacceptable your behaviour is I would simply ask how you would feel if emergency services were delayed in reaching your loved ones, or a friend of family member was involved in an accident as a result of poor parking?

“Please treat our officers with respect.”