Limerick traffic wardens to wear body cameras to 'reduce' violence  

Council says objective is to provide wardens with a safer working environment, and reduce violence and aggression

Traffic wardens in Limerick will be equipped with body cameras. Picture: Limerick City and County Council

Traffic wardens in Limerick will be equipped with body cameras to help reduce incidents of violence.

A six-month trial of body-worn cameras for traffic wardens is set to begin in Limerick’s Metropolitan District.

The initiative aims to enhance the safety and security of traffic wardens while they perform their duties.

The trial follows a public consultation period, where feedback from residents and businesses was gathered to shape the implementation of the initiative.

According to Limerick council, the primary objective of the body-worn camera aims to provide the traffic wardens with a safer working environment, and reduce violence and aggression.

“Cameras will remain off until a traffic warden perceives or anticipates a threat, at which point they will activate the device to record audio, video, and GPS data,” added the spokesperson.

To ensure data protection and privacy, footage will be securely stored and accessed only by authorised personnel.

“Limerick City and County Council is committed to ensuring that the introduction of BWCs is beneficial to the community. The trial will be closely monitored and evaluated to determine its effectiveness in achieving the desired outcomes. If successful, the council intends to continue using these cameras on a full-time basis,” a council spokesperson said.

The use of body-worn cameras will provide an extra layer of protection for traffic wardens, allowing them to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation.

The council urged members of the public to be respectful of the staff as they carry out their duties.

Limerick is not the first county in Ireland to implement body cameras to document engagements between traffic wardens and the public, as similar initiatives have been implemented in Donegal and Waterford over the past couple of years.