PARKING bosses have defended a traffic warden who parked in a spot marked “disabled”.

A North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) warden was criticised by residents and shoppers for parking in the space in Clacton’s Colne Road on Friday afternoon.

Facebook users blasted the parking warden for parking in the spot that was “clearly marked disabled”.

Others called it “shameful” and “disgusting” and said the parking warden’s car should have been clamped.

But the parking partnership, which is led by Colchester Council, said the space had been a “limited waiting bay” for many years.

“It has previously been an advisory disabled badge holders-only bay, hence the road markings saying ‘Disabled’,” said a spokesman.

“This legend was covered over when it was changed, but has subsequently reappeared.

“NEPP is aware of this old marking and to avoid any confusion, the work to permanently remove this from the highway will take place soon.

“The NEPP vehicle in the photographs is parked in a limited waiting bay, which is advised on the adjacent road signs and is, therefore, not parked in contravention of any restriction.”

But the spokesman added parking wardens can park in restricted spaces to carry out their duties.

He added: “Enforcement cars can be parked where it is safe to do so, including in areas covered by parking restrictions, for as long as is necessary for the officer to carry out any enforcement duties when they can’t park elsewhere.”