Editor -On January 6, Argyll and Bute Council’s parking enforcement officer issued a penalty charge notice, (PCN), for someone parked on a pavement. This was dubious at best as the vehicle was parked on an area of waste ground surrounded by a pavement, and not actually on the pavement. However, the parking enforcement officer in the execution of his duties was committing an offence himself. He was parked approximately two metres from a junction. The Road Traffic Act 1084 Section 22 and the Highway Code section 243 clearly state it is an offence to block a road junction, and it is illegal to park within 10 metres of a road junction.
This was unsuccessfully appealed and when a letter of complaint was submitted, Argyll and Bute Council gave the following excuses for their employee breaking the law whist issuing a PCN.
“The vehicle was parked to allow the warden to remain within sight. Under this safety guidelines, double- crewing or close -proximity parking is permitted in area where warden face a credible threat of intimidation.
“The vehicle was only stationary for the duration required to carry out duties. Council vehicles are frequently required to stop in restricted areas to carry out duties.
“Please note that the justification for the warden parking does not exempt other vehicles from parking regulations, which remain in place to ensure safety for all road users.”
I would have thought that the traffic enforcement officer should be leading by example and Argyll and Bute Council should be upholding the law, but obviously not.
Hypocrisy at the very best. Name and address supplied.
