We're all familiar with civil enforcement officers. Indeed, those of us who drive are likely to have been given a parking ticket or two in our time. However, despite their familiarity, most people actually know very little about the day-to-day activities of officers. 

With this in mind, we've put together some answers to a number of frequently asked questions that will be of interest to anyone thinking of taking up the role.

Is a civil enforcement officer the same as a traffic warden?
Many people still see civil enforcement officers as traffic wardens and while the two roles are quite similar, there are some differences. The latter is no longer an official position and has been replaced by the officer role. 

Traffic wardens were normally a part of the police force and were responsible for directing moving vehicles as well as enforcing parking regulations. Civil enforcement officers, however, are employed by local authorities or private companies and deal solely with parking issues.

What are an officer's main duties?
A civil enforcement officer's primary duty is to ensure parking regulations are upheld. The majority of an officer's day is spent patrolling a set beat to ensure no vehicles are parked unlawfully, issuing tickets when necessary.

The role is not all about enforcement, however. Officers are now being encouraged to provide a high level of all-round customer service, providing the public with useful information and advice.

Do you have to wear a uniform?
Yes. All civil enforcement officers are issued with an uniform, which must be worn at all times to ensure they are clearly visible to the public. The role involves being outside all year round, in all weather conditions, meaning a warmer coat will be issued in the winter months.

Is the position commission or bonus-based?
It's a common misconception that civil enforcement officers are incentivised to give out as many parking tickets as possible. This is rarely the case and officers are simply tasked with making sure parking rules and regulations are followed.

What's the pay like?
The starting wage for a civil enforcement officer is normally around £15,000 per year. With more experience, this has the potential to go as high as £30,000. In many cases, officers are paid an hourly rate.

Are there any perks to the role?
It would be fair to say that civil enforcement officers don't have the best reputation with the public, but there are some perks associated with the role. Working in the public sector brings better pay and benefits such as holidays and pensions.

If you're the kind of person who enjoys being active rather than sitting at a computer all day, the role could be ideal as you'll spend most of your time on your feet in the open air. There's also the opportunity for progression into more senior roles such as parking manager.

How can you get involved?
If you're interested in starting a parking career as a civil enforcement officer, take a look at our current vacancies. There are no set requirements for an entry-level position, but any prior experience of parking will always be useful, as will a background in customer service and good GCSEs in maths and English. 

You can learn more about how to get into parking by reading our guide.