PARKING wardens are to wear video cameras in Test Valley from next month amid fears of escalating abuse.

Test Valley Borough Council is to equip civil parking enforcement officers with body-worn video cameras from April.

Deputy leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “The decision to introduce cameras has not been taken lightly, and I’m very pleased that we are now introducing them.

“Unfortunately, over the past few years, we have noted an increase in the number of incidents of both verbal and physical aggression towards our CEOs. The introduction of cameras will help keep our staff safe, which for us is a top priority.

"It is also important that we ensure our parking civil enforcement officers respond appropriately in difficult situations.”

A public consultation has been held by the council in which residents supported the use of cameras, the authority said and added evidence from other authorities where cameras are in use across Hampshire have reported more positive interactions with members of the public.

A full privacy impact assessment has also been undertaken by the authority.