TWO drivers who verbally abused traffic wardens have been slapped with £80 fines.

The incidents, which both involved drivers of construction vehicles, happened earlier this month in Canvey and Benfleet.

The drivers also had to pay the £35 parking ticket meaning they each paid a total of £115.

Castle Point Council chief executive David Marchant said: "We understand that sometimes emotions run high when parking tickets are issued, but would ask residents to stay calm and understand that our officers are simply doing their jobs to keep the roads clear and safe.

"If you genuinely think a ticket has been incorrectly issued then use our official appeals procedure.

"Being rude or violent towards our staff will not stop the ticket and could land you with an even bigger fine and possibly a criminal record."