COUNCIL chiefs have been accused of acting like "the worst totalitarian regimes" after drivers were slapped with parking fines near to a Remembrance Day service.

A scathing letter was sent to the leaders of Bucks County Council, responsible for enforcement, and Wycombe District Council, from a Marlow resident who labelled the action appalling.

Jim Glennie, retired, of Dedmere Rise, told the MFP that seeing wardens sticking tickets on cars ten minutes before the 11am minute's silence "leaves a nasty taste".

He saw two tickets issues by Institute Road and Station Rise, Marlow. He suggested wardens had shown double standards by parking on yellow lines themselves - although rules do allow them to.

44 Penalty Charge Notices were issued during the day in Marlow, a figure road chiefs said was much the same as any other Sunday.

Mr Glennie said: "Bearing in mind the significance of the day I was appalled that such action was taking place at that time.

"When we are remembering those who sacrificed their lives for the future of their country, how can we countenance such action in a country which prides itself on freedom for its peoples?

"Surely such mean-minded law enforcement occurs only in the world’s worst totalitarian regimes?"

He described it as "totally abhorrent to my understanding of fairness in the British way of life" and asked leaders to stop future "anti- British, pro-police state activities during all future national remembrances".

Transport for Bucks spokesman Dan Elworthy said: "No instructions were given to the contractor by BCC to enforce parking restrictions any differently to that of any other day.

"The enforcement operation is in place to manage the highway network - primarily for safety and congestion reasons. We would not avoid undertaking enforcement for the reasons stated.

"As highway authority we are obligated to enforce the restrictions.

"Civil Enforcement Officers are authorised to park safely to issue a PCN, to make sure the notice is issued in a timely manner before the contravening vehicle may have moved.

"CEOs are employed on an hourly basis and so being able to park near to where the PCN is being issued makes best use of their time."