By Zoila Palma: Today, the Orange Walk Town Council issued a statement expressing concern over the continued bullying, verbal abuse, intimidation, and physical violence directed at Traffic Wardens by some motorists and members of the public.
“The increasing hostility and dangerous confrontations faced by our Wardens while carrying out their duties are unacceptable and pose a serious threat to their safety and well-being,” the council said.
The council says that on Friday, October 16, 2026, a male Traffic Warden was physically assaulted by a motorcyclist who had entered a one-way street against the direction of traffic.
“When the motorcyclist was stopped by the Warden, the individual reportedly dismounted his motorcycle and confronted the officer before punching him in the face. As a result of the assault, our Warden sustained a broken tooth and a fracture to a second tooth. The Council strongly condemns this act of violence against an employee who was simply carrying out his assigned duties to help maintain traffic order and public safety,” the council said.
In another incident, on Monday, the council says that a female Traffic Warden was subjected to verbal aggression and disrespectful treatment by a male business owner on Park Street. This incident occurred amid temporary traffic restrictions being implemented to facilitate ongoing rehabilitation works along Main Street.
The council says that they are concerned as these confrontations appear to become more hostile when temporary street closures and barricades are in place.
“Our Traffic Wardens deserve respect, dignity, and a safe working environment, while carrying out responsibilities assigned to them by the Council. Their role is not to inconvenience the public, but to help maintain order, enforce traffic regulations, and protect the safety of all road users, including our most vulnerable citizens,” the council said.
The council says that they know construction works may cause temporary inconvenience, but these measures are necessary to improve the town’s infrastructure and ensure public safety.
The council calls on the public to exercise patience, understanding, and courtesy when encountering traffic restrictions.
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