Rochdale Council parking ‘spy car’ driver seen reading whilst driving

Rochdale Council spy car

The driver of a parking ‘spy car’ used by Rochdale Council to catch people breaking the rules and regulations of parking was spotted reading paperwork whilst driving.

Eagle-eyed residents spotted the driver of the car “ignoring road safety” whilst driving past Falinge Park High School on Tuesday (14 October) morning.

One resident who saw the car said: “Nice to see the driver of Rochdale Council's parking spy car completely ignoring road safety, driving past Falinge School at 8.20am while reading paperwork. There are kids everywhere; he seems to think it's appropriate to not bother looking at the road when he is driving.”

Another resident who spotted the car added: “They should know where each car is at any time. I saw him as well.”

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We take parking enforcement around schools very seriously. Once this allegation was brought to our attention we immediately contacted our contractor who will undertake an investigation.  Driver behaviour is monitored on a regular basis to ensure they are adhering to the guidelines set out by their employer.”

Any concerns regarding the car or its driver can be reported to Parking Service via parkingservices@rochdale.gov.uk. The council will then gather as much information as possible and pick up any concerns directly with the contractor.