TRAFFIC wardens have been accused of hiding in a doorway before booking a businessman seconds after his waiting limit was up.

Paul Taylor, the owner of new job agency, 247 Staff in Darwen Street, Blackburn, is furious he received a parking ticket while dropping off equipment at his workplace.

Justin Vanparys - a partner of pawnbrokers, Buys and Loans Store, opposite Mr Taylor's premises - said he witnessed the incident and added: "They just pounced!"

Today Blackburn with Darwen Council, which oversees the local warden system since it was taken out of police control last year, said if Mr Taylor had proof he was unloading he could appeal.

Vehicles are allowed to stay outside businesses for up to five minutes to load or unload.

Mr Taylor, 39, said: "I only pulled up outside the shop for a few minutes as I had to unpack heavy bags of stationery equipment.

"The wardens were witnessed by the business opposite hiding around the corner until the five minute waiting time had passed. They must have been desperate to get a booking and it was very underhand.

"I have only been open a week and as it's a new business I have had to unload equipment. I am contesting the ticket as I want them to back down and give a little leeway. "

Mr Vanparys said: "I saw that Paul was dropping some stuff off and two traffic wardens standing in the doorway two doors up. When I went out to warn him the traffic wardens said it was too late, he was being booked anyway.

"When the five minutes was up they just pounced and there was no warning. It is all about revenue, there were no other cars there."

Director of direct services for Blackburn with Darwen Council, Peter Hunt said: "As long as the vehicle is observed for five minutes without evidence of loading and unloading then the ticket has been issued correctly.

"Once the penalty charge notice is on the windscreen the parking attendant does not have the power to cancel the ticket.

"However if Mr Taylor has proof he was loading or unloading his vehicle then this would support his claim if he chooses to challenge the penalty charge notice."

The penalty charge currently stands at £60 or £40 if paid within 14 days.