"MY food will get cold," "I don't want to walk far in my pyjamas" and "I’ll be just a minute" are some of the excuses police have called out over inconsiderate parking in a busy town street.

Crook Police listed examples of some of the unacceptable excuses drivers have while parking on double yellow lines in the town's Commercial Street, following a string of complaints from local councillors and residents.

PSCO Mike Gracey said the problem is getting so bad that he and his colleagues have to talk to drivers on a daily basis.

“This causes an obstruction to pedestrians causing them to walk onto the road, some of which are either in wheelchairs or pushing children in push chairs putting them in harm’s way,” he said.

“This is also causing traffic congestion stopping vehicles from swiftly moving along and at times preventing emergency vehicles getting past.

“The double yellow lines are there for a reason and in accordance to The Highway Code double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless there are signs that specifically indicate seasonal restrictions. There are no signs along Commercial Street that specifically indicate seasonal restrictions."

PSCO Gracey said there is ample free parking either at the Market Square or directly behind Commercial Street opposite The Salvation Army building.

In a post on Crook Police’s Facebook page, he listed some of the excuses – as well as his responses.

Among them were:

  • “I didn’t realise I was parked on double yellows” – concerning seeing as you have a licence.
  • “I was just a minute” – having observed the vehicle parked for ten minutes.
  • “It’s a bit cold, that’s all” – wrap up when leaving your house.
  • “I’ll be just a minute” – nothing takes just a minute.
  • “But I’ve seen police cars parked here before” – when dealing with an emergency.
  • “But I’m not causing an obstruction” – with a queue of traffic behind you.
  • “But there is nowhere to park” – a large free car park at Market Square.
  • “Am just worried my food will get cold” – no it shan’t or ask for a delivery.
  • “You’re not serious having to park there, I have to walk all the way back in my pyjamas?” – we highly recommend you do not leave your house wearing your pjs.”