'Hand out 10 tickets a shift or be sacked'

Parking wardens are being told to book "at least" 10 vehicles a shift or face dismissal. Wardens in Kensington & Chelsea employed by contractor Apcoa must issue the target number of penalty notices on each seven-hour shift.

The GMB union, which represents the wardens, criticised the targets. District organiser Bert Schouwenburg said the whole business was a "scam to keep the money rolling in". He claimed the wardens must meet the target "regardless of how many vehicles they find unlawfully parked or face disciplinary action that could lead to dismissal".

A spokesman for Apcoa confirmed the target as "pretty close to what you would expect". He said no wardens had been fired but some had been disciplined over targets.

The GMB wants parking control transferred to the Mayor.