Gloucestershire County Council respond after traffic warden pictured issuing ticket in Cirencester

The council has made free parking available to support health and social care workers as they provide vital services to communities during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The picture shows a warden issuing a ticket to the only car which was parked in a loading bay in Blackjack Street at 10.30am on Sunday, April 5.

Philip Williams, lead commissioner for infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We are keeping our enforcement operations under regular review as the coronavirus outbreak continues to develop.

"We’d like to remind people to park legally and considerately.

"Many of our parking restrictions are there for the safety of pedestrians and motorists, and to protect vulnerable people.

“If you do receive a penalty charge notice and you feel that it was issued incorrectly, you have the option to appeal. Full details on how to appeal are included on the notice.”

The council confirmed parking officers will continue to enforce restrictions in the normal way, to ensure emergency services are not stopped from gaining access to those who need their help, as well as allowing public transport and the vulnerable to access town centres.

Officers will be following the guidelines on social distancing.

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member responsible for parking, said: “We are absolutely committed to doing all we can to support those caring for the sick and vulnerable and feel providing free parking for those on the front line, is the least we can do.

“I would urge everyone to continue to park legally, considerately and safely.

"Many of our parking restrictions are there for the safety and protection of pedestrians road users and vulnerable people.

"Those who seek to abuse this show of solidarity will be dealt with accordingly.”

The council has made free parking available to support health and social care workers as they provide vital services to communities during the Covid-19 outbreak.