I gave the driver a thumbs down but I understand that these vehicles that are normally operated by local authorities or their contractors are permitted to do this although unfair, best to report it to your local Council and Councillor if you feel aggrieved.
It's not one rule for us and a separate rule for them.
Council needs to publicly apologise and ensure it doesn't happen again.
http://pedestrianliberation.org/2010/08/30/are-vehicles-allowed-to-park-on-the-pavement/