A Euro MP hopeful has dubbed Herts police “judgemental, vindictive and fascist” – after his car was slapped with a warning sticker.
Former mayor of Royston Mark Hughes, the UKIP candidate for the East of England and the party’s North East Herts chairman, took to Twitter after he parked in a way the constabulary said could have impeded officers at its headquarters in Welwyn Garden City
Mr Hughes, who sits on the police and crime commissioner’s Audit Committee, was not issued with a fine, but took umbrage with the notice.
He posted: “Saw an example today of judgemental, vindictive & fascist behaviour from @HertsPolice & I am a member of the @HertsPCC Audit Committee.”
The former chairman of North Herts District Council said he stood by his post, which was directed at the force and police and crime commissioner David Lloyd.
However he made it clear his comments “had nothing to do with UKIP” and he did not think the police were fascists.
“In the context of what they did to me today as long as it is in context I stand by it,” he said.
“I contacted them in the Tweet. If they want to come back to me they will.”
He added: “It is vindictive. Next they will be putting people in the stocks.”
Commissioner Lloyd declined to comment on the language used.
A spokesman for the force said: “People who park irresponsibly are not issued with a fine, but advice notices are attached to the car.
“There is potential for inconsiderate parking to obstruct officers in the course of their police duties.
“The police headquarters car park is primarily used by police officers and police staff, and they would have received the same advice notice if they had parked in the same manner.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here