A COUNCIL has defended a parking warden who parked a van on double yellow lines as he issued a ticket to another motorist.

Eagle-eyed Dan MacPherson took a quick photo of the Rochford District Council vehicle.

The parking enforcement officer was ticketing a van on the opposite side of Queens Road, Rayleigh.

Mr MacPherson said: "The real irony is the man had just issued a ticket to a van on the other side of the road who was also on double yellows, and there were plenty of places to park safely on this stretch of road.

"According to Rochford District Council these vans and their drivers are exempt from parking regulations as they have the same status as the emergency services.

"How ridiculous if true.

"Perhaps if the leaders of our communities and their employees led by example, we may have a little more respect for them."

Tamara Burton, spokesman for the council, confirmed the traffic wardens have exemption certificates which they display in their vehicles.

She said: "They have a statutory duty to carry out, and always park safely, not to cause obstruction.

"But they have to park where they can to issue the ticket."