Council Defends Parking Ticket for Broken-Down Bus at Bus Stop
Bosses at Ashford Borough Council are standing firm behind the controversial decision to issue a parking ticket to a broken-down bus that was stranded at a bus stop in Tenterden, Kent. The incident occurred on Tenterden High Street in Ashford, where an Arriva vehicle experienced a mechanical failure and could not be moved until recovery teams arrived.
Warden Follows Procedure Despite Breakdown
Local residents expressed astonishment as they witnessed a traffic warden approach the stationary bus and issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Jason Hussey, a resident who observed the scene, remarked, “I really couldn't believe my eyes earlier today when I saw our local traffic warden giving the bus a ticket at the bus stop in Tenterden. What’s going on?”
However, the council has defended the action, stating that the warden was merely adhering to standard parking regulations. A spokesperson for Ashford Borough Council explained, “We can confirm that a Penalty Charge Notice was issued because the bus had been left unattended at a bus stop. Under parking regulations, drivers must remain with their vehicle at all times when stopping in a restricted area such as a bus stop.”
Bus Operator Cites Safety Concerns
Arriva South confirmed that the bus had developed a mechanical fault, entering what is known as limp mode, which severely limits its mobility. A spokesperson for the operator said, “For safety reasons, the vehicle could not be moved from the bus stop until assistance arrived. Our engineering team assessed the situation and, due to the nature of the fault, the bus was recovered to our depot at the earliest opportunity.”
The company acknowledged the importance of parking enforcement in maintaining road safety but indicated they would be contacting the council to clarify the circumstances. “We appreciate that parking enforcement plays an important role in keeping roads clear and safe, and we will be contacting the local council to explain the circumstances surrounding this incident,” the spokesperson added.
Council Emphasizes Rule Adherence
The council reiterated that leaving a vehicle unattended in a restricted zone constitutes a clear breach of rules, warranting the penalty. Their spokesperson further noted, “Leaving a vehicle unattended is a clear breach of these rules and therefore a PCN was correctly issued. We’re aware there has been some local speculation about what happened, but our officers followed standard procedure based solely on the vehicle being left unattended.”
They also pointed out that the bus operator has the right to appeal if they believe there were valid reasons for the situation. “If the operator feels there were valid reasons for the situation, they are welcome to use the formal appeals process,” the council stated.
History of Controversial Ticketing in Tenterden
This incident is not the first time parking wardens in Tenterden have sparked controversy. Previously, they issued a ticket to a procession limousine parked outside a funeral for a war veteran. The son of the late Donald Hunter, a D-Day veteran, condemned the fine as a “disgrace,” highlighting ongoing tensions between enforcement practices and community expectations.
The situation underscores the challenges local authorities face in balancing strict regulatory enforcement with practical considerations during unforeseen events like vehicle breakdowns.
