by Andy Gray
agray@thekmgroup.co.uk

A delivery driver has criticised the town’s “overzealous” traffic enforcement officers who gave him a ticket even though his van had broken down.

Abdul Hannan was waiting for the AA to rescue his vehicle in Union Street when he was issued with a £35 fine.

The 42-year-old, from Vinters Park, who runs his own delivery service, claims officers appear to be employing a “ticket at all costs” policy.

He said: “I couldn’t believe it.
“I was actually on the phone to the AA when this officer started writing out a ticket.
“I said, 'look, I can’t move the van, do you want to speak to the AA yourself?’
“But he just shook his head and said, 'you’ll have to deal with the office.’ He could see I’d broken down but was going to book me regardless. This sort of overzealous ticketing will drive people from Maidstone and causes extra work for everyone.”

Maidstone Borough Council said it could not release details of revenue gained from parking fines unless the KM submitted a Freedom of Information request.

Figures from coverage in 2009 show the council collected £850,000 in parking penalties during 2008/09.

Mr Hannan said he intended to dispute his fine, and expected to win. He’s also planning to take his grievance to Maidstone and Weald MP Helen Grant, which he hopes will stop incapacitated drivers falling victim to the town’s enforcement officers.

A spokesman for Maidstone council said its enforcement officers were not set penalty notice targets.

She added: "On this occasion the enforcement officer was unable to verify the full circumstances at the scene.

"If the driver can verify the breakdown it will be considered as part of any challenge made to the penalty charge notice.”