A council is promising to carry out a 'thorough investigation' after pictures emerged of one of its vehicles parked in a disabled bay.

The pick-up truck branded with Thanet District Council logos was spotted in a car park in Broadstairs yesterday as people slammed the authority.

Photos showed the Mitsubishi Triton parked up at the Crofts Place car park in the designated space marked by blue hatchings without displaying a blue badge.

Men wearing reflective high visibility jackets reportedly got out of the vehicle, went to the toilet before "wandering off" into the town centre, according to a witness.

The man, who asked not to be named, branded the actions "disgraceful" claiming the van was parking illegally when he needed to use the space legitimately.

It prompted an angry reaction from other people with one person saying it demonstrates the attitude of the council in not caring "about anyone but themselves".

Another added: "They seem to be unanswerable to anyone and make rules for themselves."

But a council spokesman says the authority is launching an investigation when contacted by KentOnline.

The spokesman said: "We expect all of our officers to behave to the highest standards while conducting council business and will be investigating this matter thoroughly."

Parking rules allow blue badge holders to park free in on-street pay and display bays, for an unlimited time in waiting zones or residents and shared parking spaces or on a double yellow line for up to three hours as long they do not cause an obstruction.

Fines of up to £70 are issued to people breaching parking rules in Thanet for more serious offences such as parking on double yellow lines. The fines for overstaying a timed ticket is £50.

But all fines are reduced by 50% if they are paid within 14 days of the penalty notice.