ROADS bosses have responded to criticism from the public after a parking warden caused controversy near Crosshouse Hospital earlier this week.

A local resident complained after seeing the warden carrying out their duties - while the warden's vehicle was parked on a double yellow line.

The warden's van was spotted across the road from Crosshouse, parked on double yellow lines and with its hazard warning lights on.

The frustrated observer who slammed the Ayrshire Roads Alliance complained that it's "one rule for one and one for another" as they vented their anger on social media, alleging the van was parked "illegally".

But the roads authority for the area, the Ayrshire Roads Alliance, moved to explain the situation - and insisted the van was not parked illegally at all. 

A spokesperson said: "As part of our enforcement duties, we patrol Crosshouse Hospital, in particular ensuring that the very busy disabled bays are used by the appropriate people.

"Under the Road Traffic Act 1991, the parking attendant's official vehicle is exempt from parking restrictions while undertaking their duties."