WHERE was Kirklees Council’s new mobile parking enforcement van when this happened?

That’s the awkward question being asked after an Examiner reader snapped this school minibus parked illegally in Paddock on Wednesday.

The Colne Valley High School vehicle, complete with large Kirklees Council logo, was spotted parked up on double yellow lines on Luck Lane opposite the entrance to Royds Hall school.

To compound matters the dodgy parking took place at 3.10pm – one of the busiest times of day.

The photographer, who does not want to be named, said he had seen Kirklees’ mobile van in the region several times and was upset this incident had been missed.

He said: “For Kirklees Council’s vehicle it’s one rule for the public motorist it’s another.

“If that’d been me I’d have got a £70 fine.

“It’s busy that road at the best of times and he’s obscuring everyone’s view.”

The incident comes just a few weeks after Kirklees intensified its clampdown on illegal parking in the district by launching a new mobile enforcement van.

The £100,000 scheme was launched on May 16 to catch motorists who park illegally – particularly outside schools.

Some 380 penalty charge notices were issued up to June 18 meaning the camera is catching around 15 drivers per working day.

A Kirklees Council spokeswoman, said their vehicles were not exempt from parking fines.

She said: “If we find any vehicle contravening parking restrictions we would act irrespective of who it is, but an enforcement officer has to be present for a fine to be issued.

“However, details of the vehicle have been passed to Transport Services so the driver can be spoken to.

“Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.”

The headteacher of Colne Valley High School was unavailable for comment.