Many parking wardens left the job because of abuse from residents

Parking fines rose six-fold, from 4,581 in 2004 to 28,500 last year - about 80 a day - after national parking firm NCP took over duties in Torbay.

One local barred wardens from his pubs and another sold anti-warden T-shirts.

Now a council report has backed wardens' requests for anger management courses following a "sustained period of criticism".

Physical abuse

Panel chairman Colin Charlwood said parking enforcement was never going to make parking attendants popular.

"We need to ensure they carry out their work in a firm but fair manner," he said.

In a survey of 389 residents 35.6% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the parking attendants were polite and helpful.

However 32.3% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement.

NCP told the panel that there had been a high turnover of parking wardens in Torbay.

It had employed 56 wardens in Torbay, but 27 had subsequently left.

Verbal and physical abuse had led to many of them leaving the firm.

The council really haven't got a clue Paul Thornton Tell BBC Devon what you think

James Pritchard, of NCP, said the report was "useful and constructive," adding that it was already examining most of the recommendations including the suggestion that wardens could wear "tailored shorts" in the summer months.

Bar owner Paul Thornton, 52, who banned wardens from his three bars, said: "The council really haven't got a clue.

"We have a situation where people who live here travel 20 miles to shop in Exeter, just because the parking is cheaper and stress-free.

"And what is the answer to this autocratic regime? Wearing shorts and anger management.

"How about courses in how to do your job properly and act like a human being?"

The panel's report will be considered by councillors on 18 October.