BOULDER, Colo. -- In north Boulder, there is a controversy brewing over the city’s photo-radar van.

For months, it has has been parked just north of Norwood Avenue in an area clearly marked "no parking" and a "tow away zone."

The van, looking for speeders, is responsible for nearly 2,700 traffic citations since Jan. 1, 2006.

"It's gotten me twice in the last month or so," said driver Joe Beeler.

Beeler, like several other residents in the area, said the van is a daily sighting and said it's a double standard to have it break the law then hand out tickets to those allegedly doing the same.

Boulder resident, Mac Fraser, 67, declined comment but initially brought the situation to the attention of a Boulder newspaper. Fraser snapped photos of the van parked illegally on the road.

Boulder police acknowledged the van was illegally parked in the area but said it doesn't negate the fact people were speeding.

Police and the city attorney's office said they anticipate people to argue the tickets be reversed but said they don't think that would happen.

"Law enforcement, unfortunately, makes their own rules sometimes," said resident Michael Olson.

"We are very concerned about the public perception even though we believe these tickets are valid," said Boulder police spokeswoman Sarah Huntley. "We intend to post signs that make it very clear that the parking prohibitions don't apply to police vehicles."

Huntley said because the area is known for speeding, the van will most likely stay on that road to address the safety concern.