Attacks on Melbourne parking inspectors have soared in 2016

The number of assaults on Melbourne’s parking inspectors has soared over the past year.

Of the city’s 86 inspectors, 41 say they have suffered verbal or physical attacks since the start of the year.

That’s more than double than the number reported for 2015.

The City of Melbourne says it’s concerned about the rise and that it doesn’t tolerate any form of abuse.

It has attributed some of the increase to its push to encourage more workers to report incidents.

A police spokesman said any reports of violence or abuse towards inspectors would be seriously investigated.