Edinburgh parking attendants forced to work being abused and 'spat at'

Parking attendants in Edinburgh have said they are worried about their health as they continue to roam the streets carrying out work deemed ‘essential’ by Edinburgh City Council.

Those still working have said they are “angry and anxious” about being asked to work during the lockdown, reporting incidents of abuse such as being spat on while working “needlessly” during the coronavirus outbreak.

One told the Evening News they are not ticketing anyone, including those parked on double yellow lines, and are expecting to be re-purposed towards the end of the week, potentially to mortuaries.

The council removed all pay and display restrictions in the city earlier this week and relaxed their contract with NSL who provide the parking attendants for the city.

However, the council is still enforcing and monitoring the roads to ensure freedom of movement for delivery vans and the emergency services.

One parking attendant, who wished to remain anonymous, said all they wanted was compassion.

They said: “Being asked to work made me feel incredibly angry and anxious, especially after the relief the day before of being told not to come in. It leads me to believe the council aren’t taking the government’s advice seriously.

“On top of the health crisis, parking attendants have been receiving extra abuse for working needlessly during this crisis including being spat at.

“All we want is the same compassion and consideration that other employers are showing non essential workers, rather than putting our health and safety at risk.”

Another parking attendant said they are not ticketing anyone and will only ask people to move if they are causing an obstruction.

They added: "We are waiting for a briefing at the end of the week. Expecting to be re-purposed, possibly to mortuaries"

Risk assessments were undertaken by the council prior to the decision to keep some enforcement ongoing, and they said it is the choice of the employer – in this case NSL – to decide whether their staff are considered key workers.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We’ve suspended parking enforcement in pay and display areas and introduced exemptions for people living in areas which require residents’ permits.

“This is to help key workers fulfil their roles and to avoid any issues that vulnerable citizens might experience when requiring outreach support in controlled parking areas.

“There’s still a need for our road network to be monitored so that we can keep free movement for emergency vehicles and public transport, as well as access to loading for goods deliveries.”

“We’re also working with NSL to find ways of redeploying staff to help deliver essential Council services during this time. This is an excellent example of organisations working together to help one another under such extraordinary circumstances and we’d like to thank NSL for their support.”

A spokesman for NSL added: “NSL is committed to supporting City of Edinburgh Council in its delivery of essential services at this unprecedented time.

“The safety of our staff and the people they come into contact with is of paramount importance to us, and we will continue to adhere to all government and public health guidance as it develops.”