Sheffield drivers ‘used as a cash machine’ as parking wardens issue tickets at dusk

Tony Carroll took this picture of two enforcement officers apparently ticketing a car outside The Lost and Found bar at 8.08pm on Ecclesall Road.

Pubs and bars have just been allowed to reopen for outside service after a three-month lockdown.

Mr Carroll tweeted: "This looks like using citizens as a cash machine."

‘Pink Nerd’ responded: “It was good to park for free while it lasted! Looks like the green jackets are back on the scene again.”

And ‘Sheffield Chit Chat’ said: “They need to get on to the Wicker, London Road and Firth Park Road, that's where the jackpots are.”

Ben Brailsford, head of Parking Services at Sheffield City Council said it was ‘normal operation for the evening teams’.

The hours of enforcement were ‘amended’ when government instructed people to stay at home, but there had not been a lenient period, holiday or moratorium on ticketing.

And he confirmed they were working on the Wicker, London Road and Firth Park Road.

He said: “Parking enforcement officers work all over the city ensuring that cars are parked safely and in line with the relevant restrictions in place.

“Free parking for key workers was provided in council car parks across Sheffield during the Covid-19 lockdowns last year to support essential workers in our city to deliver vital services.

“The council also worked closely with the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to provide NHS staff with permits allowing them to park for free close to work during the pandemic.

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Thank you. Nancy Fielder, editor