Jon Masters 26 June 2015

Landmark jail sentence handed to parking cheat

A motorist has been given 16 weeks in jail for forging a resident parking permit – believed to be the first prison sentence handed out for such an offence in Britain.

According to Portsmouth City Council, Mark Rouse, 48, of Wilton Terrace in Southsea in Portsmouth was given a temporary parking permit when he moved into the street. When this ran out he did not qualify for a permanent permit because the car listed on the permit was not registered in his name.

Instead of buying visitor permits to allow him to continue to park, he faked a permanent permit on a computer from the expired temporary one. But the phoney permit was spotted on the car by a parking officer on patrol.

Confronted at his home by a council investigator, he admitted using the counterfeit permit for up to six months.

At Portsmouth Magistrates Court, Rouse pleaded guilty to one offence under the Fraud Act 2006, and one under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Portsmouth City Council cabinet member for traffic and transportation, cllr Ken Ellcome, said: ‘Residents of many streets in Portsmouth value their permits because they mean it's possible to park near their homes.

‘Forging a pass is an attempt to cheat the system and claim a parking space that isn't yours – stopping other people using it. I hope the sentence will deter others from doing the same.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner