DRIVERS have criticised “over-zealous” traffic wardens for blitzing parked cars in Southampton while causing an obstruction themselves.

Protesters say motorists were targeted in Nursling after a raft of activities in the area resulted in local car parks filling up, forcing motorists to park on roadside verges.

They also claim the only vehicle genuinely at fault was the van in which the wardens arrived.

Witness Allan Wadmore said drivers were blitzed last Saturday after parking in Redbridge Lane, Nursling, near the Oasis Academy and Lordshill recreation ground.

Mr Wadmore, of Rownhams, said car parks at the Academy and the recreation ground were full because weekend sports fixtures coincided with a model railway exhibition.

"The only available additional parking was in Redbridge Lane itself," he said.

"Two female traffic wardens were on the scene placing tickets on all the vehicles parked on the grass verges but inside double yellow lines.

"All these cars were parked on the grass verge, with no wheels on or over yellow lines.

"As the footpath is on the opposite side of the road the vehicles were not causing any inconvenience to pedestrians or traffic."

Mr Wadmore, who was not among the drivers given a ticket, said the only vehicle actually causing an obstruction was the van used by the wardens themselves.

He added: "Double yellow lines are put in place to prevent motorists from stopping at the side of the road for safety reasons and/or to prevent traffic congestion.

"This is a far cry from what I witnessed. The very vehicle used to transport the two ticket-issuing officers was causing the only obstruction in the entire length of the road.

"Not only was the whole exercise an insensitive waste of resources and time, but it flies in the face of the pressing need to forge better relations between the authorities and the public."

Mr Wadmore said the owners of the vehicles targeted by the wardens should have their fixed penalty notices quashed.

Southampton City Council has yet to respond to his comments.