Parking attendants reminded over Highway Code (From Bucks Free Press)

Parking attendants reminded over Highway Code

11:32am Wednesday 23rd July 2008 in

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PARKING attendants have been reminded to stick to the Highway Code after Free Press editor Steve Cohen spotted one briefly riding on a pavement.

Mr Cohen was driving through Hampden Road, High Wycombe, near Hamilton School on Saturday morning when he saw a man on a scooter, checking parked cars.

The parking attendant took no action after checking the cars, but then did a U-turn by riding on to the pavement and back into the road, joining it in the opposite direction.

The attendant has since apologised for his actions.

Mr Cohen notified Wycombe District Council (WDC) about what he had witnessed, and asked them to confirm it was not council policy to allow officers to drive on pavements.

WDC has since revealed all parking officers have been reminded to stick to the Highway Code as a result of Saturday's incident, and were told to pay "particular attention" to pedestrian and road safety.

Catherine Spalton, WDC spokesman, said: "It is sometimes necessary for parking enforcement officers to safely stop their vehicles on yellow lines or other parts of the highway to allow them to carry out their duties, but they are not allowed to drive their vehicles on pathways.

"The officer concerned in this incident has apologised for his actions.

"All officers have been reminded of the need to adhere to the Highway Code, paying particular attention to pedestrian and road safety."

Mr Cohen said: "It may have sounded petty because he was only riding on the pavement for a matter of seconds, but this was inappropriate given it was so near a school. I am pleased the council has responded so promptly."