New traffic warden set to start work next week

Shetland’s newly appointed traffic warden will be on the streets from Monday, police in Lerwick said today.

Angus Meudell, the first appointee to the role for three years, will patrol the roads to help keep traffic flowing freely.

However the 41-year-old is performing a dual role for Northern Constabulary in Shetland – as well as his duties as a warden, the qualified plumber will also be a useful handyman around the station.

Even when he is on the streets, area commander David Bushell stressed Mr Meudell’s job would be about more than just handing out penalties to motorists.

He said the warden would provide “an extra set of eyes” for the force, adding there were safety and educational aspects to his role as well.

“It’s not just about giving out tickets. It’s primarily to help keep the streets safer and allow for a better flow of traffic,” he said.

“For example, if we had a missing person, he would have that information about that missing person, so if he spotted that person he would be able to intervene there and then.

“He’s not a constable – he doesn’t have the powers of a constable – but he is able to get one standing next to him within seconds.”

As part of his job he will be travelling round the schools to put across the message on road safety.

“There is a public re-assurance aspect to him being on patrol because he is part of Northern Constabulary. He is another set of eyes and ears for us on the street and is there to keep the area safe.

“The role is part-time caretaker, part time traffic-warden. There will be a balance of how much time he spends on the street and how much time he spends on the police estate dealing with things.

“He is an excellent candidate for the job and we are looking forward to him being out in the public eye from Monday.”