Traffic warden issues parking ticket to decorative Vespa mascot that was on display outside family-run restaurant

Published: 16:54, 20 June 2026 | Updated: 16:56, 20 June 2026 A traffic warden has issued a parking ticket to a decorative Vespa on display outside a family-run restaurant.  Staff at Bonita Pasta Club in Weymouth, Dorset, were left baffled after finding the bright yellow ticket attached to the orange motorbike. Footage showing the officer dishing out the enforcement notice has gone viral - with some people speculating it was a publicity stunt.  However, the restaurant has since confirmed that the penalty charge notice was genuine and has lodged an appeal. The team said: 'We have been made aware of a video circulating online regarding our Vespa. 'As a family-run business, we stand firmly behind Vespa, who has been a committed employee since opening last week. 'Never missing a shift, arriving late, or requesting time off. 'We are deeply saddened to learn that this worker's loyalty to providing carbs to our community has been repaid with a parking ticket for merely doing its job. 'We will not let one yellow badge define an otherwise promising career.' Staff at Bonita Pasta Club in Weymouth, Dorset, were left baffled after finding the bright yellow ticket attached to the orange motorbike The owners have encouraged locals to come and have their picture taken with the Vespa The business stated that the vehicle is not used as a mode of transport and 'works tirelessly to promote carbs for our community.' The team said it was initially disappointed by the parking ticket. They added: 'It's always a shock. 'Our mascot was the most shocked of the lot. You see a bright yellow ticket harpers the look, it doesn't enhance it. Yellow and orange? Big no no. 'Since the event, we have been supporting our mascot through this difficult time and remain fully committed to it.' But they said there's been a big wave of support throughout and encouraged locals to come and have their picture taken with it. The team said: 'We are overwhelmed by the support of the community and far-reaching public eye.' Dorset Council said: 'We can confirm a parking ticket was issued to a scooter outside a business on Custom House Quay last week during a routine patrol. Footage showing the officer dishing out the enforcement notice has gone viral - with some people speculating it was a publicity stunt 'We understand why this has prompted questions locally and at the time the ticket was issued, our officer did not know the scooter was there for display. 'The scooter is newly registered, with a number plate, tax and L-plates, which means it is classed as a vehicle under current parking rules. At the time, our officers were also addressing a number of vehicles parked on the pavement in restricted areas, and they need to apply the same rules consistently to everyone. 'An appeal has now been submitted, and this will be carefully considered. We will keep the owner updated once a decision has been made. 'We are keen to support local businesses and help them in any way we can. We will contact the business to look at how the scooter can be adapted so it is obviously a display item and not treated in the same way under parking restrictions. 'Our enforcement officers help keep roads and pavements safe for everyone. They carry out their duties in line with council policies and national law, and we ask that they are treated with understanding and respect while doing their job.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.