Two parking wardens have been physically assaulted and another 12 verbally abused while issuing tickets in Walsall.

The attacks have been carried out on wardens for Walsall Council since they took over civil parking enforcement action at the start of April.

Bosses have condemned the behaviour of a “tiny number of idiots” having issued more than 9,000 parking tickets in less than four months.

Company Apcoa Parking UK Ltd runs the team of more than 20 wardens on behalf of the council who has taken on responsibility from the police.

They issue fines to stop cars from blocking routes used for emergency vehicles, block short stay spaces and illegally use disabled spots.

Transport chief, Councillor Tom Ansell said: “If you don’t park lawfully then you do run the risk of getting a parking ticket.

“We’ve taken the job on from West Midlands Police so their officers can be freed-up to tackle priority crime.

“Most people have got the message but there is a tiny number of idiots whose behaviour we would not tolerate and where we can we always take action against them.

“Since April 1, there has been 12 instances of verbal assault as well as two physical assaults.”