By Aline Nassif 

aline.nassif@essnmedia.co.uk

THE assistant principal of Croydon College has slammed the borough's traffic wardens for targeting "easy prey" during the morning school run.

Charles Quin received a £120 fine after he was filmed by a mobile CCTV unit dropping off his 12-year-old son Symny at All Saints Junior School, in Upper Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood.

The incensed dad-of-four insists he stopped on zigzag lines for only "a few seconds" to let his son out safely and does not feel the fine is merited.

After failing to persuade the council's parking services department to overturn the fine, Mr Quin, 52, of Ellery Road, Upper Norwood, has taken his fight to its chief executive.

He said: "This is not about money – it is a matter of principle. I'm speaking out on behalf of all the parents who are being picked on because they are easy prey. Croydon Council's parking-services department is running a money-making venture."

The street outside All Saints is a narrow two-way road with limited parking.

Mr Quin added that dozens of parents have been caught out outside the school, as he was at 8.52am on July 7.

He said: "I did not stop a second longer than necessary.

To secretly film or photograph someone when their car stops is deeply unfair.

"This makes me question whether the officer concerned acted in the interest of the children's safety, or whether they were more concerned about making money."

Mr Quin wrote to the council's parking department but was told there were no grounds to appeal the penalty. Last week, he sent a letter to chief executive Jon Rouse, appealing for him to investigate.

He said: "I hope the chief executive will be able to apply some common sense."

A council spokesman said the authority had received many calls from school staff, parents and residents requesting a "higher level of enforcement" at school opening and closing times.

He added: "The high volume of traffic causes congestion and, more importantly, is potentially hazardous to schoolchildren and parents.

"The Highway Code is specific when advising that drivers must keep school entrances clear of stationary vehicles, even if picking up or setting down children."

Do you think the council was right to issue a ticket? Let us know your views by e-mailing newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk.