Parking Query

This was in relation to a car, but could just as easily apply to a bike with a pillion, so I was wondering if anyone had any guidance on the following.

I was with a mate in his car, him driving and we went to a shop. No car parking available near the store, but the loading bay was empty. I hopped out whilst he waited in the loading bay, engine running. He'd of moved off if any lorry/van had come to make a delivery and in any event the delivery bay was 4 car lengths long and he was only parked at one end. In the literally 1 minute I was in the store two "pretend plod" specials had appeared and moved my mate meaning he had to circle the block then stop in the road, which did cause a slight jam whilst I loaded the bulky, heavy stuff I'd bought into the back of the car (not much scope to carry it very far).

Now, I hate cash point cripples, but to my mind there was no viable alternative to what we did and in the first instance we were hurting no one, but due to them, ended up causing a bit of a hold up.

Two questions:
1. I was under the impression if the engine was running and the driver was in the vehicle you weren't 'parked' and a traffic warden couldn't move you on so long as you weren't obstructing the flow of traffic. Is the same not true for police.
2. I know specials have reduced powers. Even if "real" police could of moved us on (which I suspect they wouldn't have) were the specials within their power to do so?

[Nobbylad]

I was under the impression Specials (hobby bobbies) had the same powers as proper plod?

Also, if I was your mate, I'd have got out of the car and then 'discussed' the issue and the relevant points of law for long enough for you to do the biz in the shop then return...job done!

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

I was under the impression if the engine was running and the driver was in the vehicle you weren't 'parked' and a traffic warden couldn't move you on so long as you weren't obstructing the flow of traffic.

No, because you could be sat there doing that for 5 mins or 5 hours!

[Ch00]

Specials have full Police Officer powers, you may be confused with PSCOs.

To be parked in a delivery bay there needs to be signs of loading or unloading. Boot open, goods going in or out etc. A driver sitting in the drivers seat with the engine on is just waiting.

Ch00

He should have opened his boot, after all you where going to do some loading where you not?