Councils' use of CCTV to fine motorists for parking to be made illegal
Councils in England could be banned from using CCTV cameras and "spy cars" to hand motorists parking fines under new government proposals
![Communities Secretary Eric Pickles wants to prevent councils from using the cameras to maximise their income from parking fines.](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2013/03/27/19/eric-pickles.jpg)
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
![Head shot of Andrew Feinberg](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/andrew-feinberg.png)
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Drivers could be given the right to claim compensation if they are incorrectly fined for parking in the wrong place.
Councils in England could be banned from using CCTV cameras and "spy cars" to hand motorists parking fines under new government proposals.
Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has said he wants to prevent "overzealous” local authorities from using the cameras to maximise their income from parking fines.
The consultation, published today, will advise that the Government amends their legislation within the Traffic Management 2004 to make the practice illegal.
Mr Pickles told the Daily Telegraph: “We want to rein in these over-zealous and unfair rules on parking enforcement, so it focuses on supporting high streets and motorists, not raising money.
“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.”
The Conservative Government are hoping the announcement will act as a moral-booster as they prepare for their annual party conference in Manchester next week.
Seventy five local authorities have been given permission to use "approved devices" such as CCTV, the Telegraph reported.
The Department for Transport said CCTV should be used only when it is impractical to use traffic wardens.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments