Wiltshire’s police chief has today been issued a parking fine by Swindon Borough Council.
Kier Pritchard and his colleague Inspector Dave Hobman were attending inSwindon’s community event, the Family Beach Party, outside McDonald’s in Wharf Green this lunchtime.
But the senior officers parked their unmarked dark blue BMW X5 in a loading bay behind Canal Walk, ultimately attracting the attention of a parking warden who issued a ticket.
Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “Today I was in Swindon attending a number of community events and engagements, including visiting our new Community Policing pop-up shop in the Brunel Centre.
“Upon arrival in Swindon town centre, we parked in a non-designated area and received a parking ticket from Swindon Borough Council.
“Although I was on police business, working in an official capacity, I was not attending an emergency and therefore we should have taken the time to find a more suitable place to park.
“Please be assured this fine will not be paid by Wiltshire Police, and will not be met by the public purse.”
On Facebook, inSwindon posted a number of photos showing the chief of police posing for alongside event staff, the Mayor of Swindon and the Street Team.
The senior officers were also attending a staff focus group and the Community Policing Shop.
We’ve approached Swindon Borough Council for comment.
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