Tanya McGrath shares her experiences as a traffic warden amid rising abuse cases and the launch of a new campaign to promote respect.
Colchester: The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) has kicked off its Beyond the Uniform campaign. This comes after a shocking 175% increase in reported assaults on civil enforcement officers over the past three years.
These officers do more than just hand out tickets; they also help keep roads safe for kids and support emergency vehicles.
Tanya McGrath, 59, has been working as an enforcement specialist in Colchester for nine years. She’s also a mental health first aider, looking out for her team of eight while patrolling the area.
Her team covers a wide range, including places like Braintree and Clacton. Over the years, Tanya has faced her fair share of abuse.
She shared some pretty intense experiences, saying, “I’ve had people try to run me over.” It’s wild to think that just doing her job could lead to such dangerous situations.
She’s even had people wish cancer on her, which hits hard since she’s battled it herself. “I’ve had someone grab me by the neck and try to pull me into their car,” she recalled.
It’s a tough gig, and Tanya makes sure her team has a space to talk about their experiences. They can even get counseling if they need it.
The NEPP’s campaign aims to help drivers see the person behind the uniform. It’s starting in Harlow, the area hit hardest by abuse, and will run until April.
There will be community events at The Hub in the Harvey Shopping Centre on February 11, 22, and March 18, featuring both digital and print marketing.
Tanya hopes this campaign will make a difference. “We’re just normal people doing a job,” she said. “I hope they see the face behind the uniform because we’re here to help.”
Paul Honeywood, chair of NEPP, added, “The abuse they face is deeply troubling and completely unacceptable. This campaign is a vital step in protecting our staff and promoting a culture of respect.”
