Medway Council CCTV car seen blocking path in Warden Road, Rochester
Published: 00:01, 22 September 2017
Residents were outraged after a Medway Council CCTV car was seen parked blocking a path near a school.
The car, which captures images of vehicles which are parking illegally, was spotted on Warden Road near Rochester Maths School, as pupils left for the day.
Mum Laura Arlington took this picture of the car on the pavement and posted it online.
She wrote: “If anyone gets a ticket for parking on pavement on road by Sir Joseph William school, then take a look at this pic.
“This guy drove round the block, parked on pavement, then walked back and ticketed everyone for doing same. One rule for them, one for others.
“You wouldn’t be able to get a pram between it and the wall. Single file person might squeeze past.”
Medway Council has denied that any motorists were given tickets for parking on the pavement.
The 32-year-old told the Medway Messenger: “I first saw the traffic warden just driving around, but then I saw him park up on the pavement and start ticketing people.”
“I just don’t understand how that is fair. What is even worse is the car was causing more obstruction than any of the other vehicles.”
“If they are enforcing rules they should follow them as well.”
It happened last Wednesday.
'If they are enforcing rules they should follow them as well' - Laura Arlington
When Mrs Arlington posted the photo online, it was shared more than 170 times and more than 40 people commented.
One woman said: “He has blocked the pavement, putting adults and children at risk. I hope that the council see this and retrain this idiot.”
The controversial spy cars were introduced in Medway in 2008 and in the first five years fined more than 58,000 drivers, bringing in more than £1.7 million. The council has defended the use of the cars, and said they are used for public safety, not to make money.
A Medway Council spokesman said: “No penalty charge notice was issued to vehicles parked on the pavement while the CCTV car was operating in Warden Road.
“However, we do not condone any vehicle parking on pavements and have spoken to the officer to advise them that their actions were also inappropriate.
“We will be fully reviewing this incident and further training will be provided.”
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Jess Sharp