Barnet Borough Council's parking wardens are allowed to break the rules
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Traffic wardens are allowed to break the rules if they are looking for people to ticket, it has emerged.
The information came after a civil enforcement officer from parking firm NSL was spotted parking on a “dangerous bend” at Alverstone Avenue, East Barnet.
He left his unmarked car on a single yellow line before walking off into the direction of Oakhurst Avenue.
Pauline Coakley-Webb, Labour councillor for Coppetts ward, took a photo of the car, which she said created a blind spot for drivers approaching the bend by nearby Oakleigh Park Station.
However, parking firm NSL told the Times Series wardens are allowed to park at the closet point to a reported contravention 'where reasonably necessary'.
After hearing the news, Cllr Coakley-Webb said: “It may be the case wardens can park on yellow lines while carrying out their duties, but there should be a responsibility to park safely.
“This could lead the public to deduce it’s one rule for wardens and another rule for them when it comes to parking with due diligence.”
In Alverstone Avenue, it is illegal to park on the single yellow lines between the hours of 8am to 6.30pm from Monday to Saturday.
Parking expert Derek Dishman, who blogs under the name Mr Mustard, told the Times Series: “It wasn't reasonably necessary. There were plenty of other places to park [in this instance].
"It’s very hypocritical. How can they set an example if they’re not going to follow the rules for themselves?
“It’s do as I say, not do as I do. I think it’s an outrage.
“It’s not cricket, it’s not right.”
Parking firm NSL said one of its senior wardens was called to Alverstone Avenue following a complaint from a householder that a vehicle was blocking her driveway.
Dr Belinda Webb, head of communications at NSL, said: “In line with current regulations, CEOs are permitted to park at the closest point to a reported contravention, provided they do so safely.
“It is difficult to fully assess the road conditions from the photograph, but we take every opportunity to reiterate safe parking, as anyone would expect.
“NSL’s CEOs undergo rigorous training before they go on the street. We are confident that, in this instance, the officer involved parked appropriately.”
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