'No further action' following council leader's parking transgression

Councillor Richard Farnell illegally parked on Drake Street

Council Leader Richard Farnell will face no further action after he was photographed parking his Jaguar illegally on Drake Street. 

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/101687/council-leader-in-extraordinary-outburst-after-being-caught-parking-illegally

In an email to Rochdale Lib Dem David Hennigan, Sheila Jackson, the Council's parking manager, confirmed that although Councillor Farnell had committed an offence it is not possible to issue parking fines retrospectively.

She said in an email to Mr Hennigan: "It is not possible to issue parking fines retrospectively or from photographic evidence, as they must be issued at the time by a civil enforcement officer or from an approved device.

"I understand that Councillor Farnell has already acknowledged his mistake in parking there so on that basis the council considers this subject closed."

Councillor Farnell explained: "I was driving down Drake Street and I have been trying to get officers to clean up this derelict piece of land for 12 months.

"I've been on holiday and when I came back it's worse than ever, so I stopped my car on the double yellow lines, put my blue badge on and took a picture and got back in my car.

"I was there for two seconds and I didn't notice the two lines. I should have done and I should not have parked there, I put my hands up."

Mr Hennigan said: "If making this complaint makes me a 'turd' and 'plonker' then so be it, but I won't apologise for highlighting an offence that could have caused a serious accident.

"His acknowledgement that he made a mistake is welcome."

Rochdale Lib Dem Leader Councillor Andy Kelly said, "Everybody makes mistakes. It's just how you deal with them. By lashing out after being caught red handed he has created this mess. Maybe he needs a couple of refresher courses. One from his Highway's Department and an another from his expensive communication's team."