A POSTMAN was snapped by an eagle-eyed reader catching 40 winks in his van — while parked on double yellow lines.
The worker appeared to take his unusual break while parked in Lostock Lane, Horwich, on Thursday afternoon.
The reader, who did not want to be identified, said: “I just couldn’t believe it. People are always stopping on the road to make calls and use it as a bit of a lay-by but I‘m shocked that someone has decided to have a nap there, let alone a postman.
“It is a busy road with a lot of heavy traffic going past so it is surprising that he was able to get any sleep. Lots of people saw him and we were all amazed.
“He only needed to drive five minutes around the corner and he could have slept out of sight and in peace. I am not sure his bosses will look too favourably on it.”
A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Royal Mail will investigate and take action as appropriate.”
The law states that parking on double yellow lines is not permitted at any time of the day or night.
It does, however, allow for vehicles to load and unload although this is defined as “taking the items to and from the vehicle” but does not cover packing, unpacking or assembly and stopping for a conversation — or stopping to take a nap!
A disabled badge holder may stop on a yellow line — single or double — for up to three hours except where a loading ban is in place.
A spokesman for Bolton Council, which maintains road markings, said: “Parking or waiting on double yellow lines is not permitted at any time and they are there to improve the flow and safety of traffic for both pedestrians and motorists. Motorists should park safely, in a place where they are permitted to do so.”
