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ROYAL Mail has come under fire after its drivers have been parking in a disabled space at a shopping parade.
The photograph of the van parked in a disabled space at Purbrook Chase Precinct, in Crookhorn, was taken by Andrew Bundy.
Mr Bundy decided enough was enough as he says he has seen Royal Mail vans regularly parking in the disabled spot, which is near a Post Office.
The 41-year-old, who needs a wheelchair as he has a chronic back condition, said it was not only the inconvenience, but the principle.
‘I use that post office quite a lot,’ said Mr Bundy, of Fir Copse Road, Purbrook.
‘It’s not the first time I have seen Royal Mail vans in there.
‘Postmen have just told me “we have to do our job” and it’s the nearest place to stop.
‘I went into the post office to complain and they said I had to go to Waterlooville sorting office.
‘It’s mainly the principle of it.
‘The fact is it happens quite often.
‘It’s endemic of the whole situation of the abuse of parking spaces, especially by people who should really know better.
‘It should not happen for a public liveried vehicle.’
The van parking in the disabled space meant Mr Bundy had to struggle to get to the post office as he had to park further away.
‘I had to walk about 20 to 30 yards because of the postman in that space,’ said Mr Bundy, who works as an IT manager.
‘It was painful for me.’
Mr Bundy is a member of Havant Area Disability Access Group and said he is keen to raise awareness about the importance of disabled spaces for blue badge holders.
By law, it is offence to park in an on-street disabled space without a valid blue badge, unless there is a ‘reasonable excuse’.
If taken to court, it can carry a maximum fine of £1,000.
Royal Mail has now apologised to Mr Bundy and promised an investigation.
Heulyn Gwyn Davies, a spokesman for Royal Mail, said: ‘We are very disappointed that this has happened as all our employees are advised of their responsibilities when parking their vehicles to undertake collection and delivery duties.
‘It is unacceptable for any colleague to park in disabled parking bays and I wish to apologise for this incident. I can confirm that it will be investigated and all staff will also be reminded of their duty to park responsibly.’
in the full knowledge that it would only be there for a couple of minutes and unaware of the practicalities of doing a collections duty 
