A Lancashire Evening Post reader spotted a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency operator parked up on the pavement on New Hall Lane, Preston, to zap car tax dodgers.The worried reader said: "There is not enough room to get past this vehicle with a double baby buggy without either walking onto the grass or walking into the road.
"Pavements are for people, prams and dogs. They aren't constructed to take the weight of vehicles – roads are, that's where vehicles and horses should be."
The DVLA is subject to the same Highway Code regulations as any other vehicle and a spokesman admitted the operator was in the wrong.
He said: "I can only apologise on behalf of the Agency if on this occasion the operators in question transgressed the rules.
"This has been brought to the attention of the crew concerned and I can assure you that such an occurrence will not happen again.
"Sites from which our ANPR vehicles operate are risk assessed in advance to ensure that we do not hinder traffic flow or cause an obstruction to road users or pedestrians.
"It would appear that on this occasion procedures were not adhered to."
Aidan Turner-Bishop of the Lancashire Campaign for Better Transport said: "If they are parking on the pavement they stop people walking with pushchairs and stop wheelchairs – they are being thoughtless."
Preston Coun Veronica Afrin, who represents St Matthew's ward, said: "I would say it is irresponsible, particularly because the city council is very keen people don't clog up pavements.
Clause 244 of the Highway Code states drivers should not park on pavements unless signs permit it.
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