Exclusive: Policeman caught illegally parked to go to cash machine
EXCLUSIVE
by Neil Millard
neil.millard@essnmedia.co.uk
Is there a crime in need of urgent attention occurring for this cop car to be parked in a loading bay?
It appears not, as the only urgent matter seemed to be that the driver had run out of money.
An Advertiser reader caught the policeman parked in the loading bay - while he went to a cash point machine.
Having got some money from the Abbey machine in George Street, central Croydon, the officer and his colleague returned to the car and drove off.
Their police BMW was parked right in front of a sign which clearly states it is reserved for goods vehicles.
If any member of the public parked there they could expect a parking ticket.
The reader who took the photos is an ex-policeman himself.
Asking not to be named, he said: "When I drove police vehicles, we had three occasions when we could break the rules and only then if it was a 999 emergency call - speed, (going through) red lights and (ignoring) keep left signs.
"If we got a parking ticket, we had to fill out a form justifying why we had illegally parked - and if we got it wrong, we had to pay."
The former policeman says it is imperative that cops set an example to normal members of the public.
He added: "If you or I had parked in this busy central Croydon street the council would have fined us in seconds.
"It's wrong, it's immoral and it's anti-social. They're meant to stop that type of behaviour these days.
"The best thing that cop should do, is to put his hand in his pocket and put the fine in the charity box."
The officers' boss, Acting Superintendent Phil Willis, admitted he was disappointed by what the pictures appear to show.
But he added that the officers were not on duty to give their side of the story before the Advertiser went to press.
Acting Supt Willis said: "I would be disappointed if Croydon officers have used a loading bay in such a way.
"It is illegal to park in a loading bay, and officers are subject to the same rules and laws as members of the public concerning this except in cases where they stop for legitimate operational reasons. "The matter will be investigated and the officers will be asked to account for their actions, and dealt with accordingly.
"I expect Croydon officers to set a good example when they are in the public eye."
48 Comments
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by John Franklin, kenley
Saturday, May 23 2009, 7:17PM
“Do we really care about police paring in a loading bay answer no. Perhaps this ex police officer should disclose why he is now an ex police officer?, I have parke din this bay many times in my own car is it anti social no its not anti social would be something far worse. Rememeber croydon has the highest parking prices in london fact. To the person who was fined £120, bad luck. In fact the rule is you can park in the bay for up to 20 mins loading up supose that depends how far you want to stretch this. As for the police it is not them ticketing it would be the traffic wardens. More important stories please. As police work shifts and maybe need to get cash would we rather they waste 20 mins parking in in a car park , I think not.”
by Mike, Old Coulsdon
Saturday, May 16 2009, 4:10PM
“My daughter parked in the same area and recd a 120.00pounds fine reduced to 60 if paid within 14days... so why one rule for them and one for us.... i think he should own up and pay up.....”
by Jonathan, Westminster
Saturday, May 16 2009, 3:01PM
“Exactly PC Plod , people need to get a life if all they care about is who parks where & when , Please there are all sorts of tragedies going on around the world think of them. Amen.”
by P C Plod, ..
Saturday, May 16 2009, 1:20PM
“Timmy your so right couldnt give a toss about this that or the other especially you lol GGrrrrrr byeee timmy wimmy”
by lloyd, N.Addington
Saturday, May 16 2009, 9:07AM
“We all do it so what is the big issue here? They must have no storyline this week , Just because they have a police uniform on the paper put this silly story to wind-up certain people I do it, you do it, they do it AND. They are not really breaking any law?”
by rachel, croydon
Saturday, May 16 2009, 8:20AM
“Some people have nothing better to do than blast the police and criticise every thing they do. I'm surprised anyone wants to be a police officer with all the c**p they have to put up with.”
by RHM, Croydon
Saturday, May 16 2009, 7:50AM
“For heaven's sake, the officer was in the wrong, he is there to uphold the law, not flout it. Officers breaking the law is always newsworthy, well done Advertiser, keep it up.”
by Michele, Sydenham
Saturday, May 16 2009, 12:46AM
“Oops, have a few other eees for an Eeeeeeemergency :-)”
by Michele, Sydenham
Saturday, May 16 2009, 12:45AM
“You mean a Dunkin' Donuts Eemergency Jon?”
by Jon, Biggin Hill
Saturday, May 16 2009, 12:07AM
“I'm sure it's not the only thing he's got away with. That copper has no respect for the law and is probably the kind of bloke who fits people up and uses blue lights to go for his tea break.”