with John Pitman
The second of six films which go behind the scenes of places which are part of the British way of life. Traffic Wardens
They are the people we love to hate-traffic wardens. Also known as ' Wasps ', ' Yellow Perils ' and, even less politely, ' Little Hitlers This film reflects a typical day for the 100 Wardens who operate from a centre in the West End of London.
In Soho a lorry driver is getting irate. ' I'm just trying to do my job,' he says. ' So am t love,' replies Joyce, slapping a ticket on his windscreen.
Another warden gets sworn at. She swears back. That's not done. It could lead to an attack. Which is why wardens wear shatter-proof spectacles and clip-on ties which can't be used to throttle them.
Back at headquarters, new wardens are being coached. ' Always walk away from trouble,' they are told. ' But what if someone gets us down on the ground? ' asks one trainee.' Get your prayer mat out,' says the instructor. And everybody laughs. Nervously.
Film cameraman ALEC CURTIS Film editor CHARLES DAVIES Series producers
ADAM CLAPHAM, HENRY MURRAY Director MICHAEL WALDMAN