Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Traffic Warden- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Working Life
Traffic Wardens advise motorists on where and when they may park their vehicles. In a case where a motorist commits an offence for which a notice may be issued the Traffic Warden issues a notice commonly known as a 'fine-on-the-spot-notice'. The notice may only be affixed to a parked vehicle or issued to the person alleged to have committed the offence. The notice stipulates the sum of money that a person liable to be prosecuted for the alleged offence may pay within 21 days as an alternative to the institution of a prosecution.
Traffic Wardens are required to keep accurate records of offences for the purpose of Court proceedings and to attend Court and give evidence as to the offences. They are required from time to time to write clear and concise reports on aspects of their work for the information of superior officers.
Traffic Wardens may also be empowered to authorise the removal of unlawfully parked vehicles to a compound, where the impounded vehicles can be recovered by the owners on payment of removal and storage fees. Traffic Wardens must wear their uniforms at all times while on duty and must of necessity be available to carry out their duties in all weather conditions.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Direct or escort pedestrians across streets, stopping traffic, as necessary.
- Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as street and railroad crossings and construction sites.
- Monitor traffic flow to locate safe gaps through which pedestrians can cross streets.
- Communicate traffic and crossing rules and other information to students and adults.
- Direct traffic movement or warn of hasards, using signs, flags, lanterns, and hand signals.
- Report unsafe behavior of children to school officials.
- Record license numbers of vehicles disregarding traffic signals, and report infractions to appropriate authorities.
- Distribute traffic control signs and markers at designated points.
- Stop speeding vehicles to warn drivers of traffic laws.
- Learn the location and purpose of street traffic signs within assigned patrol areas.
Further Information
- Traffic Warden- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Traffic Warden
Traffic wardens need to be observant, alert, and able to think and act quickly. Clear and legible handwriting is essential.
Experience of working with the general public is useful. You need to be capable of dealing calmly with motorists who are upset or aggressive. Tact and patience are needed, and a sense of humour helps. The ability to work alone, without close supervision, is important.
To be a warden you need to be in good health and physically fit, as you will spend a lot of time on your feet, working outdoors in all weathers.
Interests - Traffic Warden
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Traffic Warden
At present Traffic Wardens are employed under the Road Traffic Acts 1961 and 1968 and by various local authorities under the Local Authorities (Traffic Wardens) Act 1975. All appointments of Public Traffic Wardens by local authorities, in order to comply with Road Safety, parking, and PSA guidelines and Irish Parking Association.
Key Skills
Developing skills in customer service, sales, parking, security or law enforcement are a distinct advantage.
You will require a full, clean driving license and be over 25 (for insurances purposes). Previous experience driving for work is preferred.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: customer service, sales, security operations management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include:customer service, sales, security operations management.
Search for PLC Courses
Pay & Salary - Traffic Warden
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €36k
Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Glassdoor/ LGMA/ Forsa
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Traffic Warden
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Administrative assistants and officers (national and local government); officers of non-governmental organisations (e.g. administrators (charitable organisation); organisers (trade union); trade union officials.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.
There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.
Useful Contacts - Traffic Warden
-
Parking Ireland
- Irish Parking Association, Unit 3, Barrowside Business Park Sleaty Road, Carlow
- 059-9136886
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
