THE number of physical attacks on traffic wardens in Bradford is on the rise, according to new figures.

A total of 11 attacks have been recorded already during the 2016/17 financial year, which runs until March 31.

This is compared to eight attacks during the whole of 2015/16 financial year.

EDITOR'S COMMENT: Attacks on wardens are unacceptable

The streets that have seen the highest number of assaults on Bradford Council’s traffic wardens over the last three and a half years are Piccadilly and Kirkgate, with five in each of these city centre locations. Three attacks were recorded in Godwin Street during the same period, in figures released by the Council to the Telegraph & Argus through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Councillor Abdul Jabar (Lab, Great Horton), the Council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and community safety, condemned all attacks on traffic wardens, adding the perpetrators are always reported to police.

He said: “Any form of verbal or physical abuse to anyone is totally unacceptable.

“Traffic wardens are officers who only take action against people who have committed parking offences. People need to take responsibility for their own actions.

“All officers are trained in techniques to defuse or withdraw from such situations. However this clearly is not possible on every occasion.”

Cllr Jabar added: “The Council does take all such attacks very seriously and all are reported to the police and vigorously pursued so that the strongest possible action can be taken against the perpetrator.”

So far during 2016/17, the most attacks have taken place in Kirkgate, with two incidents reported. There have also been incidents at a further nine locations, including Bank Street, Godwin Street, City Park, Buck Street in Barkerend and Broadway.

North Parade and Godwin Street topped the list in 2015/16 with two attacks each. There was one attack at each of Piccadilly, Mannville Terrace, Little Horton; Duckworth Lane and Smith Lane during the same year.

Back in 2014/15, there were a total of 18 attacks, with 24 occurring in 2013/14.

Piccadilly had the most attacks in 2014/15 with three, followed by Kirkgate with two. Morley Street in Bradford had the most attacks in 2013/14.

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