Brighton and Hove's traffic wardens have been accused of having double standards after they parked on double-yellow lines.

The allegation came after it emerged the Parking attendants had been told they could flout the restrictions they enforce on other motorists.

One parking patrol left their unmarked car on double-yellow lines near Preston Park railway station while they issued tickets to vehicles parked nearby.

It will enrage thousands of motorists who have been given tickets in a blitz on illegal parking.

The attendants' car was spotted by Dr Christian Osmer in Home Road, Brighton.

He said: "I had tried to park my car round but couldn't find a space, so I took it home and walked back. Then I saw the traffic wardens pull up and park on the double-yellow lines.

"They were busy distributing penalty tickets, so I asked them why their car was on yellow lines. I pointed out they weren't exactly setting a shining example.

"They weren't very happy but they said this behaviour was accepted by the council."

Dr Osmer, a consultant anaesthetist at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, was on his way to get a film developed. He had his camera with him and snapped a picture of the attendants' Fiesta.

He said: "I appreciate traffic wardens are necessary and they have reduced the congestion around Clermont Road. But it does seem like double standards.

"I think the traffic wardens should abide by the rules too. If they can't park properly they should walk or cycle, or at least use a marked car."

Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Elgood also accused the council of double standards.

He said: "If they were breaking the law, then it is sheer hypocrisy.

"Everyone should be dealt with equally."

A city council spokeswoman confirmed the car was one of its vehicles.

She said: "Parking attendants are expected to park in appropriate, legitimate places wherever possible.

"However, very occasionally this may not be possible and in such circumstances they must ensure they are not disrupting other traffic."

The council launched its blitz in July after taking over parking responsibility from the police. Wardens issue an average of one ticket every four minutes.

Critics have accused the parking attendants of being over-zealous after it was revealed fines had hit £2 million in just six months.

However, the council hailed the crackdown a success, saying it had gone a long way to towards freeing congestion.