A Westminster council traffic warden has been suspended after a foul-mouthed rant at a motorcyclist was captured on video. The parking attendant, employed by contractor NSL Services, was filmed shouting abuse at Warren Djangoly in New Cavendish Street, making obscene comments about his wife.
Mr Djangoly, a 46-year-old management consultant from Barnes, described the abuse as 'totally unprovoked'. He said he had only asked the warden not to issue a ticket as he was about to leave, which prompted an aggressive response. The warden was heard saying: 'Don't be taking my picture,' before adding: 'Go and give that to your wife because I'll be f***ing her soon.'
Mr Djangoly said the comment amounted to a 'threat of rape', which he found particularly alarming given that private parking contractors have access to the DVLA database, including home addresses. He has spoken to police about the incident but is unsure whether to make a formal complaint. He is also demanding a full apology from Westminster council and NSL Services.
Dr Leith Penny, Westminster's strategic director of city management, said: 'Our parking attendants do a difficult and challenging job. However, Westminster council demands the highest standards from its parking staff and we do not tolerate this kind of behaviour which is clearly unacceptable.'
NSL spokesman Tim Cowen described the warden's language as 'shocking' and confirmed an investigation had been launched. He added: 'The civil enforcement officer in question has been removed from the Westminster operation and suspended while that investigation takes place. Behaviour like this is not acceptable and would usually result in dismissal if the case is proven.'
