It is most definitely a Singaporean thing to call our car park attendants and traffic wardens “Fatimah”. We are not too sure how it started too, but the term has been around for as long as we know it, and everyone sticks to it conveniently – and affectionately.

But is everyone really “affectionate” towards them? Not really. If any, almost no one likes them. In case you haven’t realised the importance of their existence, “Fatimah” is an enforcement officer and he/she plays a major role in enforcing road safety. When everyone is cursing them every time they receive a ticket, have you ever considered the fact that without them, we would be facing chaotic traffic conditions and messy parking on a daily basis? Anyone can park right at the foot of your house, and even if you have designated season lots, non-residents can park all the same and leave you lot-less.

Let’s face it – when they issue a ticket, they are but doing their jobs. And it is a very thankless job that no one shows appreciation. We all want clear roads and our parking rights, but we need to remember who are the heroes who make this happen.

We followed the enforcement officers for half a morning to have a better understanding of how they carry out their duties. Boy, was it a lot of walking under the sweltering heat!

Today, we learn about the different kinds of enforcement officers and their respective roles, the common offences and offences you never knew about, their routines and daily challenges, and to debunk the common myth that they have “quotas” to hit for commission.

Here are the things that you never knew about traffic/parking enforcement officers.

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