A COMPANY boss has condemned ‘over zealous’ traffic wardens who slapped tickets on his workers’ vehicles after they were unable to use the firm’s car park because of icy conditions.

Peter Reed was horrified when Blackburn with Darwen Council officials started putting penalty notices on staff cars on Wednesday morning as the snow started to melt, revealing double yellow lines on Thwaites Close, Shadsworth.

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He has now contacted town hall chiefs calling for an ‘outbreak of common sense’ so his employers are let off the £50 tickets.

Mr Reed owns Reed Medical on Shadsworth Enterprise Park which employs 40 staff.

It has two car parks – one on a slope and the second with an incline on the entrance and exit.

He said: “On Wednesday morning my staff arrived, some in the dark, between 6am and 8.30 am. Unless they had a four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive vehicle, they could not get on the car parks because of the ice.

“About 20 cars parked on Thwaites Close outside. Around 11.15am, just as the snow started to melt, two parking wardens arrived and started putting tickets on their windscreens where the snow had melted revealing double yellow lines.

“I was appalled. They were being over-zealous and nitpicking. My staff have to come to work and after Christmas and New Year they can’t afford a £50 parking ticket.

“They could not see the double yellow lines because of the snow and would not know they were there as they normally use the car park. They had to park somewhere.

“I have contacted the council and asked for an outbreak of common sense so they are let off the fines. The council leaders are always talking about boosting businesses and encouraging employment and then their officials do this.”

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesman said: “Motorists who believe they have been incorrectly given a ticket can appeal by contacting the council’s parking services team on 0845 608 5590.”

Borough parking fines are £50, discounted by half if paid within 14 days.