Parking Warden

Tasks & duties

Parking wardens may do some or all of the following:

• check all parked vehicles in a given area
• issue infringement notices if a vehicle has been parked too long or is illegally parked, and take notes on the circumstances involved
• call a tow truck to remove illegally parked vehicles causing obstruction
• issue notices for vehicle offences such as having no warrant of fitness or registration label
• report faulty meters, problems with signs, road markings and traffic lights
• assist in servicing meters
• collect coins from meters/parking machines
• give evidence in court if someone appeals a notice
• give people directions and provide visitor information about the city
• direct traffic around accident sites
• educate people on parking regulations
• check and monitor security problems around the city/town
• report and organise the removal of abandoned vehicles

Skills & knowledge

Parking wardens need to have:

• knowledge of parking regulations and by-laws
• good maths skills
• communication skills
• computer skills

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a parking warden, as skills are gained on the job under the supervision of a senior parking warden.

Secondary education

Educational requirements for parking wardens depend on the employer; however, School Certificate or NCEA equivalent is usually preferred. Useful subjects include English, maths and computer studies.

Training on the job

Parking wardens usually complete one to two weeks of in-house training. Some employers may award their staff a security guard's licence on completion of their training. A National Certificate in Parking Enforcement can also be completed on the job.

Local Government Industry Training Organisation website – information about parking warden training

Useful experience

Work involving customer service and contact with the public is useful for parking wardens.

For more information, please refer to Career Services.