Wardens can flout parking laws when issuing motorists with tickets.

Enforcement officers left a grey car on double yellow lines in St Leonard’s Road, Hove, while they went to monitor others parking illegally.

An eagle-eyed resident stated the vehicle, with Brighton and Hove City Council and NSL markings, was left for 15 minutes yesterday morning But the local authority has confirmed wardens have dispensation when it is not possible to park in designated areas.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It seems to be one rule for the council and another rule for the public.

“To be given dispensation from fines and prosecution does not lead by example and does not command respect from a local population already hassled and condemned by the council because they own a car.”

Tim Cowen, of NSL, which is contracted by the council to run the on-street enforcement scheme, said: “There is an ongoing issue with obstructive parking on the main seafront road during rush hour.

“The driver chose to park in a side street using a dispensation in order to check the main road to ensure the free flow of traffic in this sensitive area.”

A council spokeswoman said: “We are investigating the matter of vehicles parked in St Leonard's Road.”