Wardens have been subject to physical and verbal abuse

Parking attendants in Bath and North East Somerset are to be issued with special reporting forms to help police investigate any incidents.

Police believe that many cases of verbal abuse, physical assault and spitting are going unreported.

"Incidents of abuse and nuisance against them will simply not be tolerated," said Pc Paul Honeychurch.

Successful prosecution

The forms, which are designed to include key information needed by police, will also be given to community wardens.

Pc Honeychurch, who devised the form said: "We know there have been incidents of abuse and nuisance including spitting but a lot of attendants and wardens, we believe, just don't want to go through the hassle or reporting them.

"Parking attendants and wardens will now be able to provide best evidence to the police to increase the prospect of a successful prosecution.

"This is also a deterrent in an effort to prevent the problem. If would-be offenders know they face an increased possibility of prosecution they will think twice about their actions," he said.

The move is a joint initiative between Avon and Somerset Police and Bath and North East Somerset Council.