Hamilton shoppers ignore parking warden in distress

Shoppers ignored a parking warden after she collapsed in Hamilton's main street.

The warden collapsed on Victoria St and was left lying on the footpath for "at least 30 seconds" on Tuesday, parking enforcement manager Janice Burns said.

"There were people around but no one went to see if she was okay or came to assist her," Ms Burns said.

"It was very disappointing that people just walked past her."

Ms Burns said the warden eventually struggled to her feet and walked back to the office before being taken to Waikato Hospital.

Hamilton Mayor Michael Redman said yesterday that he was surprised and disappointed. "Whether it was a parking warden or anyone else you would expect people to come to their assistance."

Ms Burns said the officer was kept in hospital for the day and was now off work awaiting more tests.

The incident comes as city parking is under fire. Some residents are heading out of town or to suburban shopping centres to shop, blaming an unwillingness by retailers to provide change for parking meters.

Mr Redman said it was "an interesting dilemma".

"Central-city retailers tell us they rely on parking to attract people to their shops, so they have a role to play by perhaps providing change."

- NZPA