The Traffic Warden

The Traffic Warden represented the small man who, once given a uniform and a little authority, viewed the rest of society as nothing more than doormats to wipe their feet on. But Emery was quick to point out that his portrayal of this character was not specifically aimed at wardens themselves and was merely a convenient comic character used to represent anyone in authority: "My Traffic Warden is the product of many years watching and disliking such characters. He is the vicious bullying type who never knows when to turn a judicious 'blind eye'. Theirs is a hard job, there is no doubt, and they are on the receiving end of much blame and abuse. Their reputation for pettiness probably stems from a mixture of the motorists frustration at not being able to find a parking space, and the attitude of those wardens who patrol the streets like mine does, dedicated to the downfall of the motorist at all costs." The props for the Traffic Warden were a satchel, notepad and pencil and of course the uniform which was standard issue at that time. A mean regimented moustache was added in makeup and Emery jutted out his lower jaw as if to challenge the motorist's right to park-or even own-his car!

Interviewer: Excuse me, Warden. Could you tell me if you have ever been presented with a golden opportunity?
Warden: Blimey, I had one yesterday.
Interviewer: Really?
Warden: Yes. There was this car sitting at a meter with a two pound excess-it had worn tyres-the road licence was out of date-perfect it was! I had the book out, there was the owner hurrying across the road towards me...I'd got him!
Interviewer: Yes?
Warden: Just my flaming luck. He got knocked down by a bus!