Poll: Should councils be banned from using CCTV cameras for parking fines?
As councils in England could be banned from using CCTV cameras and 'spy cars' to impose parking fines on motorists under new government proposals, we ask what you think.
Static and car mounted cameras have been used to issue more than 10 million fines, totalling £301 million, in the past five years, the Conservatives say.
Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has said he wants to curb 'overzealous' local authorities that use cameras to maximise their income from parking fines.
Some 75 councils, or one in four, currently have permission to use CCTV cameras or 'approved devices' to enforce parking restrictions, allowed under Labour's 2004 Traffic Management Act.
They include councils in Walsall, Wolverhampton and Sandwell, who use the cars to clamp down on illegal parking by motorists.
Should councils be banned from using CCTV cameras for parking fines? Vote in our poll below and have your say in the comments below:
Mr Pickles has warned public support for CCTV could be undermined if people believed they were being used to generate revenue rather than preventing crime.
A government consultation paper will suggest amending legislation underpinning the Traffic Management Act 2004 to outlaw the practice.
"We want to rein in these overzealous and unfair rules on parking enforcement, so it focuses on supporting high streets and motorists, not raising money," Mr Pickles said. "Parking spy cameras are just one example of this and a step too far.
"Public confidence is strengthened in CCTV if it is used to tackle crime, not to raise money for council officers."
Transport secretary Patrick Mr McLoughlin added: "Labour's ill thought-out policies have led to an increase in congestion and parking problems on our streets. By making sensible changes such as providing more parking spaces for local shoppers we can help ease traffic flow while supporting our high streets.
"Arbitrary parking rules force shoppers online or to out of town stores, causing lasting damage to local firms and small shops."
The announcement will be seen as a morale-booster as Conservative activists prepare to head off for their annual party conference next week in Manchester.
The Department for Transport says CCTV should be used only when it is impractical to use traffic wardens.
