WITH reference to the letter submitted by Mrs E Cowpe (LET, July 4), I feel it is important to differentiate between Traffic wardens and parking attendants.

Traffic wardens were, and are, employed by the relevant constabulary, whereas parking attendants are employed by a variety of enforcement organisations, some of which are utilised by local authorities.

Traffic wardens are still employed in some major cities and towns.

However, following an opportunity to take responsibility for on street parking, as well as local car parks, during 2003/2004 many local authorities took this course of action.

Referring specifically to Mrs Cowpe's letter, I am puzzled by suggestions that the local police made comments about a parking fine issued on a car park, since these have never fallen under the responsibility of the police, as they do not constitute part of the highway.

Where a fixed penalty notice is issued by a traffic warden the revenue from these goes into central government funds and so the number of tickets issued has no relevance to the traffic warden's salary!

The local schemes, on the other hand, do indeed fund the local parking enforcement schemes.

I can assure Mrs Cowpe and indeed all disabled badge holders that traffic wardens never targeted any particular group of motorists and indeed were instrumental in resolving many issues of misuse.

Very much to the benefit of genuine badge holders.

M ROYLE, former Blackburn traffic warden.