Sloppily-parked traffic warden hands out a ticket

Mar 11 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

Mr Brodie said: “There were only a few other cars parked on the ramp and it is not as if it was a busy weekend. I had paid £30 for a permit and I was so annoyed, especially as the parking enforcement officer’s parking was worse.

“If I am fined then I want proof that the officer has also been fined. It should not have come to this The whole thing has been so stupid.”

Two weeks ago North Tyneside resident Robert Rainey challenged an enforcement officer whose van was parked partially on double yellow lines in Forest Hall, and in an area where a parking permit was required.

Mr Rainey claimed that when he made his challenge he was simply told to “grow up.”

A council spokesman said: “An important aspect of the decriminalisation of parking contraventions is the ability of motorists to have their objections heard and considered fully and impartially. If Mr Brodie has submitted an appeal then we will examine his case.

“While our parking control vehicles are exempt from normal waiting restrictions when being used in the service of the council, officers are always encouraged to use a designated parking facility whenever one is available.

“Following the case in Forest Hall we notified our enforcement officers that parking of this nature was unacceptable.

“After receiving the photograph of this vehicle partially beyond a parking bay in Tynemouth, we will be interviewing the officer concerned to establish if there was a reason he could not use the whole space.”