MP Criticises ‘Swearing’ Parking Wardens in Stourbridge as Dudley Council Launches Investigation

Concerns have been raised in Stourbridge after MP Cat Eccles claimed she personally witnessed parking wardens swearing at local traders and ignoring parking regulations they were meant to enforce. The incident, which took place earlier this year, has sparked a wider discussion about parking enforcement standards, council accountability, and the conduct of privately contracted enforcement officers.

MP Steps In After Heated Parking Dispute

Cat Eccles, who serves as both Member of Parliament for Stourbridge and a Dudley councillor, told a recent Dudley Council meeting that she had to intervene directly in a confrontation between local traders and a parking warden.

She said:

“There was a dispute between some traders and the warden over the warden parking on double yellow lines on a corner. The warden was swearing at the traders. I intervened and received the same poor attitude and bad language. They said they could ‘do what they like’.”

The MP added that this was not an isolated incident and that she and other residents had been reporting similar behaviour to the council over the past year.

Parking Enforcement Under Scrutiny

The controversy follows Dudley Council’s decision last year to introduce new parking charges and outsource parking enforcement to a private contractor. The aim was to increase the number of wardens patrolling the borough and to improve compliance with parking regulations.

However, the recent allegations have raised serious questions about the professionalism and oversight of those employed to carry out these duties.

Councillor Simon Phipps, Dudley’s cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation during the same meeting.

He said:

“It is something that has been brought to my attention. Originally, when I saw the correspondence, I didn’t realise the volume of incidents and the type of behaviour that had been reported. I have now asked senior managers to raise the issue with the contractor. This behaviour is unacceptable.”

Cllr Phipps added that while enforcement officers are occasionally permitted to park on double yellow lines in exceptional circumstances — for example, when responding to enforcement calls or managing high-risk situations — this should never be used as a justification for misconduct or abuse.

Rising Tensions Over Parking Enforcement

The incident highlights the increasing tension between businesses, residents, and enforcement officers across parts of the West Midlands. Traders in Stourbridge have complained that overzealous ticketing, inconsistent enforcement, and poor conduct from some wardens are damaging local trade and undermining public trust.

For small business owners already struggling with economic pressures, these disputes add another layer of frustration. Local traders have expressed concern that negative interactions with parking officers discourage shoppers and visitors, especially in smaller town centres that rely heavily on footfall.

Several residents have also questioned whether outsourcing enforcement to private contractors has led to a decline in service quality, suggesting that profit-driven enforcement models often prioritise the number of tickets issued over community relations.

Council Promises Action and Accountability

Dudley Council officials have confirmed that the matter is being formally raised with the private contractorresponsible for managing enforcement staff. Senior managers have been asked to investigate the allegations, review existing training and conduct policies, and ensure that professional standards are being upheld.

A council spokesperson reiterated that abusive or unprofessional behaviour by contracted staff will not be toleratedand that appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken if the claims are substantiated.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), which covers council activity across the region, reported that Dudley’s new parking enforcement contract was originally introduced to enhance compliance, reduce congestion, and improve safety around busy town centres such as Stourbridge and Dudley.

However, the recent reports may prompt a broader review of contractor performance and how the council monitors external service providers.

Balancing Enforcement with Public Trust

Parking enforcement remains a necessary but sensitive part of urban management. While strict enforcement helps maintain road safety and accessibility, particularly for emergency vehicles and disabled drivers, councils must also ensure that enforcement is fair, proportionate, and respectful.

Experts in local governance argue that incidents like this underline the need for:

• Better training and communication between contractors and local councils.

• Public-facing codes of conduct for wardens and enforcement officers.

• Accessible complaint and review processes for residents and businesses.

• Community engagement strategies to rebuild trust between parking services and the public.

A failure to maintain professional standards can erode public confidence and create unnecessary hostility between enforcement officers and residents.

MP Calls for Higher Standards

Following the meeting, Cat Eccles said she expects Dudley Council and the private contractor to take swift action to address the situation. She emphasised that council-employed or contracted staff must lead by example and treat the public with respect at all times.

“No one should be spoken to in that manner by anyone representing the council,” Eccles said. “We all understand that parking enforcement is sometimes unpopular, but there is no excuse for rudeness or aggressive behaviour. These officers are there to serve the public, not antagonise them.”

Her comments have been welcomed by many local residents, who have called for stricter oversight, improved professionalism, and a focus on fairness rather than fines in the borough’s parking strategy.

As Dudley Council investigates, the outcome could lead to changes in contractor policy, staff retraining, or even a review of the enforcement agreement itself.