CHIEF Constable Jo Farrell was chauffeured through a bus lane near officers picketing over pay — risking a £60 penalty.
The top cop then got out and swept past disgruntled crime-fighters brandishing signs and banners to face a meeting of force watchdogs.
Onlookers told of their shock at Ms Farrell’s apparent rules breach after spotting her driver taking the unmarked Volvo XC90 through restricted Nelson Mandela Place in Glasgow city centre.
A source said: “She’s come through a restricted bus gate that ordinary road users get fined for using every day – including serving cops.
“It’s not a good look for the country’s top officer on the best of days, never mind when she’s having to face rank and file cops on a picket line.”
City bosses rake in millions of pounds a year from bus lane fines, with the Nelson Mandela Place trap one of their most lucrative.
More than 13,000 drivers fell foul of restrictions there in 2021.
'COPS ARE VALUED'
BY GRAHAM MANN
CHIEF Constable Jo Farrell insists rank and file cops are valued – despite claims of low morale amid an ongoing pay dispute.
The nation’s top cop told the Scottish Police Authority top brass will listen to the views of frontline officers and staff.
She spoke in the wake of a workforce survey that revealed a staggering 73 per cent of the 11,424 officers who responded said their teams are under-resourced.
The newly released document further showed only two fifths felt valued by bosses and less than half said they “receive recognition”.
The same numbers said they didn’t have “a manageable workload” nor “the equipment needed” to do the job.
Mr Farrell said: “Pay is our most significant element of spend, accounting for around 87% of our revenue costs and pay inflation represents the largest proportion of revenue uplift.
“My report outlines that headline 4.75% pay award offers have been made to officers and staff for the current year, 2024-25.
“Formal processes are now under way to seek to progress agreements with officers and staff and we remain committed to achieving a fair outcome.
“I have consistently highlighted the skill, commitment, goodwill and professionalism, our officers, staff, and volunteers demonstrate as they deliver a challenging and essential public service for our communities.
“I would take this opportunity to publicly reiterate and record my thanks for all they do.
“As well as appropriate resourcing, equipment, and fair pay, officers, staff, and volunteers, must know that they are valued, have a voice and that we will act on what they say to improve their experiences and better support them to deliver for communities.”
Penalties are £60 but can rise to £90 if unpaid in 28 days. It is understood some exemptions apply for emergency services.
But a council spokesman said: “It would be inappropriate to comment in relation to an individual vehicle.”
The national force said: “If any penalties are issued they are paid immediately by PoliceScotland.
“When vehicles are being used on official policebusiness we are able to ask the council for a refund.”
We told last year how Ms Farrell was driven 120 miles by an on-duty cop, leaving one region with just one traffic patrol officer on shift during Storm Babet.
She later apologised for the ride from Edinburgh to the north of England during the deadly deluge.
The latest controversy came as officers told of feeling “undervalued” after bosses knocked back their claim for a 5.5 per cent hike.
They staged a defiant protest outside yesterday morning’s Scottish Police Authority board meeting at the Merchants House of Glasgow.
David Kennedy of the Scottish Police Federation said: “We have got real questions to ask Police Scotland on why they have spent £9million on temporary contracts and not used that money towards our pay deal.”
The protest took place hours after a glitzy awards bash celebrating cops’ bravery. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “We have made what we believe to be a very fair offer of 4.75%.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Our officers work tirelessly every day to keep people safe across the country and it is right that their public service is recognised and rewarded. We therefore remain committed to achieving a fair outcome.
“Formal processes are under way to seek an agreement with officers via the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland, which is independently led and involves the Scottish Government, the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland.”
