Police officer warned after parking in disabled bay

The officer’s van was captured on camera in the bay at the Morrisons supermarket in Hunslet, Leeds.

A shopper who took the photo passed it to the Yorkshire Post and the matter was in turn raised with West Yorkshire Police.

The force has now said the officer will be warned as to his “future conduct”.

Chief Insp Stephen Palmer, from West Yorkshire Police’s City and Holbeck division, said: “I would like to thank the member of the public for bringing this matter to our attention.

“On Monday, officers were called to the Morrisons store at Hunslet after a shoplifter was detained by security staff.

“The police vehicle was parked in a disabled bay to allow the officer quick access to the store and to support staff in dealing with the suspect. While there are occasions when police need to contravene traffic laws and regulations in the course of their duties, I do not consider that to have been the case here.

“With that in mind, I will be speaking to the officer concerned regarding his future conduct.”

The Leonard Cheshire Disability charity called on drivers to observe parking regulations. Campaigns co-ordinator for the north of England, James Harding, said: “It is absolutely crucial that disabled people are able to park in designated bays, particularly those who can’t walk long distances.

“If someone without a blue badge is blocking a space then it can make the difference between a disabled person being able to get out and about and having their choices completely removed. This is a critical part of improving accessibility across the UK and making sure that disabled people are able to live as independently as possible.