Forty of Hackney’s parking wardens could go on strike over a pay dispute.

The civil enforcement officers (CEOs) might strike for 48 hours from May 14, after voting for industrial action.

Their contract is run by APCOA on behalf of Hackney Council, and the dispute centres over a 5 per cent pay rise to cover the rising cost of living, sickness procedures and holiday.

Onay Kasab from trade union Unite, which represents the wardens, said: “It is clear that if the 48-hour strike goes ahead the issuing of car parking tickets could be seriously disrupted – and motorists in Hackney may think that Christmas has come very early this year.

“The overwhelming majority of traffic wardens are on the London Living Wage (LLW) of £10.20 an hour. These workers, out in all weathers, only get the LLW uprate each year.”

APCOA did not respond to requests for comment.