AN OFFICE worker has accused council traffic wardens of hypocrisy after she spotted a CCTV smart car blocking part of a road while it was parked on a double yellow line.
Jackie Roberts, 43, was so outraged when she saw the vehicle in Corbett Road, off Wood Street in Walthamstow, that she jumped out of her car and started taking photographs before it drove off.
Ms Roberts, of Larkshall Road in Chingford, said the council vehicle had blocked part of the street as it apparently kept a look-out for illegal parkers on the evening of Sunday August 29.
She said: "When I saw it I was just shocked. I find it really infuriating that they would do this - and on a Bank Holiday weekend when the streets are so quiet.
"It was blocking part of the street and if a fire engine or an ambulance came along they would find it difficult to get past.
"It's extreme hypocrisy. If we can't park on yellow lines why should they be allowed to?"
Ms Roberts, who says she has never received a ticket from a smart car, added: "When I started taking photographs the driver look pretty embarrassed and drove off very quickly. I think he knew he was in the wrong."
The council publishes the locations of where its CCTV cars patrol on its website, but neither Corbett Road or Wood Street is on the list.
Waltham Forest Council's cabinet member for environment, Cllr Clyde Loakes, said: "CCTV car operatives are legally allowed to park anywhere within Waltham Forest while carrying out their duties but it is extremely rare for them to park in areas subject to parking restrictions and we are constantly reviewing the circumstances under which this is carried out to ensure this privilege is not abused.
"It is occasionally necessary to park in places which would lead to other motorists receiving a fixed penalty notice to tackle specific road safety issues.
"All staff receive extensive training in these matters, and the car's driver and operatives ensure that the safety of other road users and pedestrians is their main consideration."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel