POWERFUL posts can bring many privileges, but when it comes to parking it seems uncertain quite what they are.

On Tuesday, the Evening Press reported that the York's Lord Mayor, Coun Janet Greenwood, picked up a parking ticket on her civic car, "DN1", while on official business in Fossgate in the city.

Now Peter Brown, who was the Sheriff of York in 1990-91, has told the Evening Press how a senior police officer saved him from picking up a parking ticket while on official business in London.

Mr Brown explained: "I went down to London for a speaking arrangement at the Guildhall, in the official car, DN1.

"We stopped outside a shop to get something for my wife. We parked on a double yellow line and a policeman came up to us to give us a ticket.As we were sitting in the car, a police inspector appeared and asked us what was going on.

"We told him who we were. He didn't believe us to begin with, so the driver pulled the chain of office out of the boot.

"The inspector told the constable he didn't think he could give us a ticket because of some archaic law.

"He made a call and it was confirmed that the Lord Mayors of York and London cannot be fined for a parking offence within London."

A City of York Council spokesman said: "This is not something that we are aware of, although there may well be an ancient law that says something to that effect. In any case, it would not be current as it would have been written before cars even existed.

"The fine was paid because it was felt that it was the appropriate thing to do."

We contacted the office of the Lord Mayor of London to see if they could help solve the mystery.

Initially spokeswoman Rebecca Sandles said: "When the Lord Mayor (of London) is in his official role he can park anywhere in London - even on the runway at Heathrow Airport - because of the security implications."

However, after further investigation as to whether this applied to our own Coun Greenwood, Ms Sandles told us the Lord Mayor of London was in fact bound by the same road laws as everybody else.

Do you know what law saved Peter Brown a parking ticket and fine 15 years ago? If so, phone reporter Gerran Grimshaw on 01904 653051 ext 309.

:: Evening Press reporter Gerran Grimshaw asked the people of York whether they think the Lord Mayor should be allowed to park wherever she needs to when on official business

Joe Yates, 19, from Bootham, York, said: "No, because if no one else can why should she? If I were going to a church service, I wouldn't be allowed to.

"If the priest had parked there, I bet he would have got a ticket, and he was on official business."

Rob Weber, 18, from Bootham, York, said: "No, I don't think she should be allowed to park anywhere.

"Maybe if she was a doctor or something.

"They should make parking arrangements in advance."

Pamela Bain, from Cawood, said: "Yes, definitely. As long as she's not causing a hazard.

"I think as Lord Mayor she should be allowed to have some

privileges.

"She does a good job promoting the city."

Adam Cross, 20, from Hull Road, said: "No, if you're going to impose those kind of rules everybody should stick by them.

"And if that means a bit more planning, so be it."

Updated: 09:52 Thursday, February 02, 2006