Lazy parking allows small victory for motorists

A video captured by a passerby on a camera phone has seen a private policing van punished for poor parking.

Motorists in London may have found themselves subjected to fines as a result of evidence gathered by the Philips Collection Services vehicle, but this time the tables were turned, according to the Westminster Chronicle.

The driver had parked the van on a yellow line, across half of a cycle lane and half of the driving lane. Their poor driving earned them a £130 fine and a ticking off from Westminster Council's Lee Rowley, who told the publication it was completely unacceptable.

Stuart Bonar, a local resident, captured the video earlier this month and said he was pleased with the result, particularly since the company's job is to police motoring misdemeanours in the area on behalf of the local authority.

Long term van hire customers may appreciate the sentiments expressed by Mr Bonar, who said: "This is a victory for people power. Personally, I don't like these creepy, spy vans, but if we are to have them then the least they can do is obey the laws they are there to enforce."

The issue looks set to become more fiery during the Olympic Games in London next year, with The Telegraph reporting that illegal parking during the event will be dealt with using hugely inflated fines.

However, public transport during the showpiece event is predicted to be completely overloaded and Transport for London is calling on businesses in the city to help combat the problem by allowing more people to work from home.