History Main / TrafficWardens

* In the 1990's spy comedy ''Series/ThePigletFiles'' the MI5 protagonists realise their target is on the move and [[SpiesInAVan start their van]] to chase after them, only to discover they've been wheel-clamped.

* AcceptableTargets for Creator/JasperCarrott (and many other stand-up comics). "Some people, you give them a peaked cap and they start ''[[GodwinsLaw building camps]]!''"

* In ''Series/TopGear'', Jeremy Clarkson takes a [[AcceptableTargets lot of shots]] at them.

->'''Mildred''': Traffic warden? Mmm, well, you've been turned down for worse jobs. I suppose being turned down for this one is a step in the right direction.
->'''George''': Oi, they might not turn me down. I've got all the qualifications.
->'''Mildred''': What ''qualifications'' are needed?
->'''George''': None.
->'''Mildred''': Right, you've got it.

[[folder: Tabletop Games]]

Since the job is entirely limited to handing out tickets for breaking minor laws that most people feel immune to, they've acquired a reputation for being [[ObstructiveBureaucrat burdensome, petty and obnoxious]], providing little benefit to society and generally just making things worse for everyone. Because of the hate, they're typically portrayed as AcceptableProfessionalTargets. Of course, this is often shown to create a ViciousCycle, where traffic wardens quickly become aggressive and mean because of the way they're treated by the public.

* When Sergeant Colon and Corporal Nobbs found themselves in charge of the ''Literature/{{Discworld}}''-equivalent of this department, the over-zealous clamping policy went so far as to include ''buildings'' as targets, including the Opera House and the Patrician's Palace. It ''could'' be argued that buildings do impede the flow of traffic somewhat.... Of course, Colon is a reasonable man and recognizes that Vetinari was parked on business. He's also willing to overlook the offense if the accused presents credible evidence of a free pint, a free meal, and/or information. Possibly the best trick they pulled (subsequently busted by Vetinari) was for Nobby to disguise himself as an old woman and cross the road extremely slowly in front of oncoming traffic, getting people to stop long enough that Colon could ticket them.

* This is Judy Hopps' first posting as a police officer in ''WesternAnimation/{{Zootopia}}.'' Being a rabbit, she uses her naturally sharp hearing to ticket vehicles within seconds of their meter expiring. Unfortunately, SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome takes hold and the next day, and Judy is inundated with complaints from the citizenry for her zealousness.

* This is Judy Hopps' first posting as a police officer in ''WesternAnimation/{{Zootopia}}.'' Being a rabbit, she uses her naturally sharp hearing to ticket vehicles within seconds of their meter expiring. Unfortunately, SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome the next day, and Judy is inundated with complaints from the citizenry for her zealousness.

* One of the few sympathetic portrayals of traffic wardens was in the JulianSymons novel ''[[SherlockHolmes A Three Pipe Problem]]''. Needing eyes on the streets, the hero Sheridan Hayes recruits the local traffic wardens: they know the streets, are out every day, and [[BeneathNotice no-one pays them any attention]].

* This is Judy Hopps' first posting as a police officer in ''WesternAnimation/{{Zootopia}}.'' Being a rabbit, she uses her naturally sharp hearing to ticket vehicles within seconds of their meter expiring. Unfortunately, RealityEnsues the next day, and Judy is inundated with complaints from the citizenry for her zealousness.

* One sidequest in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesZeroNoKiseki'' has the main characters (who are cops) checking parking registrations and ticketing illegally parked vehicles.

* ''Film/TheOutlawsArecoming'': As part of the AnachronismStew, the WildWest town of Caspar, Wyoming has parking limits. A meter maid in a buggy passes by, marking all of the wagon wheels and legs of the horses parked along the street. As soon as she is gone, all of the cowboys run out of the saloon and wiped the paint of their horses' legs.

* One sidequest in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsFromZero'' has the main characters (who are cops) checking parking registrations and ticketing illegally parked vehicles.

** Gaston's (who interprets No Parking Allowed signs as parking spots no-one ever occupies) longtime foe [[MeddlesomePatrolman Longtarin]], who lives only to give parking tickets. Their rivalry sometimes reaches [[EscalatingWar escalating prank war]] proportions.

Traffic wardens are civilian staff employed by the police to enforce parking laws. Their handiwork can be seen if you ever park in a prohibited area or let your meter run out for just one... damn... second!

* This is Judy's first posting as a police officer in ''WesternAnimation/{{Zootopia}}.'' Being a rabbit, she uses her naturally sharp hearing to ticket vehicles within seconds of their meter expiring. Unfortunately, RealityEnsues the next day, and Judy is inundated with complaints from the citizenry for her zealousness.

* Music/TheBeatles: "Lovely Rita, Meter Maid" - written by Creator/PaulMccartney when he got ticketed and was gentlemanly enough to accept it without a fuss. He use the term "Meter Maid" because they heard the phrase in America and thought it sounded far more romantic than 'traffic warden'.