TRAFFIC wardens now have the power to record the actions of members of the public after video cameras were inserted into their helmets to help resolve disputes over fines.

The pilot monitoring scheme, which began last Monday, captures both sounds and images within a 15ft radius, and has prompted accusations that public privacy is being breached without justification by traffic wardens recording private conversations and images of unrelated passers-by.

Enfield Council, which has purchased four cameras so far, said it has adopted the scheme to resolve the “disgrace” of a hundred traffic wardens being assaulted since 2005.

But it also said the scheme would be used for the lesser offence of “resolving disputes about ticketing”.

The council said the data is “irretrievably deleted as quickly as possible,” “generally” after 15 days in a process agreed with the Information Commissioner’s office.

A source said that the public had deliberately been kept in the dark over fears the move would be unpopular.

He said: “It just makes my blood boil. We, the public, are not being told about this, as the head of parking feels that it won’t be liked, and I don’t like the idea.

We were told if you haven’t got anything to hide why would you worry about these cameras, but I think it’s a little to much like Big Brother.

If you were standing behind a parking attendant and having a private conversation with someone else, all of that would be recorded, every word.

“We were also told that as a rule the Information Commissioner didn’t like sound being recorded apart from by police, but National Car Park Services (NCP) [which runs the scheme] has said not to worry they could square it, whatever that means.”

The cameras are believed to cost in the region of £1,000 each and consist of a recorder, camera attached to an officers cap, and cabling to a hand operated control. A spokesman for the council said the scheme had already been adopted in Salford and had been devised with senior policy staff from the Information Commissioner’s office.

He said: "NCP Services has been using head camera technology in other areas since 2007 resulting in a 30 per cent reduction in assaults on staff, and leading to successful prosecutions.

"NCP Services has assured the council that the technology is being used in accordance with Home Office protocols and that their officers will be wearing badges on uniforms advising members of the public that they may be recorded on video, and where appropriate, will be told they are being recorded.

Information slips will be held by the Civil Enforcement officers advising those receiving a Penalty Charge Notice how they could request to view the footage.

Environment cabinet member Terry Neville said: "Naturally we would not want to see cameras installed, however NCP has said it does need them to help protect its staff.

He added: "Sadly, I am afraid the local picture mirrors Britain's broken society, when too often a significant minority in this country resort to violence at a drop of a hat."