The man responsible for hiring Birmingham's controversial traffic patrols has been hit with a £30 parking ticket... from his own wardens. City transport chief John Tyrrell got a taste of the medicine dished out to thousands of Brummies when he was fined £30 for parking on a double yellow line last night. The £40,000-a-year cabinet member for transport was among more than 30 community leaders and council officers caught by a Control Plus hit squad. They were all ticketed by a team of wardens as they sat inaregenerationboard meeting at the Beta First centre in Hockley Hill. A white minibus with five Control Plus traffic wardens, possibly acting on a tip off, swooped on the area shortly after 8pm issuing dozens of tickets within minutes. The inner city regeneration board meeting was suspended as people rushed to their cars - but they were too late. The evening swoop is sure to raise eyebrows in political circles and could force a review of the future warden arrangements for the city. Coun Tyrrell (Lab, Sandwell) said: It does seem strange that a team of wardens turned up at that time. But I must hold my hands up, I parked on a double yellow line and got the ticket. It is an unsuitable venue for such a large meeting as there is limited parking there. We are due to have the yellow lines removed, but that is no excuse, I should not have parked there. The fines were greeted with delight by some of the earlier victims of Control Plus, who hope the firms own goal will lead to an end of their reign in the city. John Hogarth, of Addison Road, Kings Heath, was one of dozens of residents hit with tickets in their own street - just minutes before daytime parking restrictions ended. He said: Youve got to laugh havent you. The council has denied there are hit squads, but now they have the proof first hand. I hope Coun Tyrrell appreciates what we have to put up with now. Now Coun Tyrrell, responsible for appointing the Control Plus traffic patrol company, must cough up £30 rising to £60 if he does not pay within 14 days. Traffic warden contractor Control Plus has been criticised by Evening Mail read-ers for their heavy-handed enforcement of the parking regulations - particularly targeting streets at quiet times. A spokeswoman for Control Plus denied they had hit squads or that they specifically targeted the meeting. She said: If motorists park on yellow lines they are liable to receive a penalty charge notice. Control Plus does not target areas for enforcement. Instead, we work in areas where incorrect parking has been identified. Parking attendants are transported in minibuses after 7pm and this is for their safety and security. | 
