A LEADING first aid charity has apologised after one of its ambulance drivers was spotted parking illegally to dash into a chip shop.

An eagle-eyed member of the public twice photographed the same St John Ambulance vehicle unlawfully parked on white zig zag lines near a pelican crossing on the busy A690 in Langley Moor, near Durham City.

The first occasion was on October 23, shortly before 8pm, and the misdemeanour was repeated on January 22, at about 4.30pm.

The woman who spotted the vehicle said she could not be sure it was the same driver on both occasions, but said: “The driver and passenger both went to the fish shop.”

She continued: “There are parking bays on the High Street and to the rear of the fish shop is a large free car park.

“Therefore I do not understand the need to park illegally.”

The woman sent the photos to the charity.

“I think this should be highlighted and the drivers prevented from continuing to park like this, endangering lives,” she said.

“There have been many accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians on this crossing and the driver of the St John Ambulance is increasing the risk, as they are on zig zag lines leading up to the crossing, blocking visibility of any vehicle pulling out of Littleburn Lane, of any pedestrian on the crossing and of vehicles approaching the crossing from Durham direction.”

When contacted by The Northern Echo, St John Ambulance issued an apology.

In a statement, Paul Caffrey, St John Ambulance regional ambulance services manager North East, said: “St John Ambulance prides itself on its professional and quality ambulance service and matters of misconduct by staff or volunteers are taken seriously and dealt with promptly.

“As such, when this situation was reported to us on 22nd January, a thorough internal investigation was carried out and the individuals involved were issued a warning.

“We would like to apologise for the inconvenience this matter may have caused the local community.

“St John Ambulance drivers are regularly monitored for quality control purposes and undergo continuous professional development.”