Wardens get DNA kit to trap spitting drivers

Parking attendants are being given DNA swabs to help identify motorists who spit at them.

Saliva samples will be analysed in a laboratory and cross-checked against millions of DNA profiles on the police national computer. A match could bring prosecution for common assault.

Hundreds of the £1 "spit kits" are being handed out to the 250 attendants in Westminster this week in a trial backed by contractor NCP. The £200-a-time cost of the DNA checks will be met by the police.

The scheme is expected to be rolled out across London if it proves a success. The move comes after the Evening Standard revealed last week that police are to guard parking wardens following a rise in attacks.

Three are assaulted in the capital each day, some being attacked with baseball bats and knives.

NCP security chief Gordon McLardy said: "Spit kits have already been used by Transport for London and a number of bus companies and have led to a marked reduction in incidents."