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Search forNew weapon in Croydon parking clampdown
12:53 - 23-July-2008
The borough's traffic wardens are already renowned for pouncing at the slightest opportunity but this week they have had this extra weapon at their disposal.
The specially-adapted Smart car, with a CCTV camera strapped to the roof, has been patrolling local schools.
It is being trialled and if deemed successful could be permanently brought in to catch dangerously and illegally parked cars.
The council hopes the car will offer extra protection to children as it will allow parking attendants to get around the borough faster and therefore check out more schools.
And the camera means there is less chance of drivers being able to dispute tickets.
Phil Thomas, Croydon Council's cabinet member for environment and highways, said: “The Smart car will help us to ensure the safety of school children in the borough.
“It will also help in the traditional roles of parking enforcement, such as the contravention of yellow-line regulations and pavement parking.
“If the trial is successful, the council will certainly consider acquiring a permanent CCTV Smart car to complement long-term planning programmes, ensuring that we reduce all types of road-traffic violations and accidents.”
Stuart Innes, founder of Croydon Residents Against Punitive Parking Policies, is furious at the council's latest measure to trap unsuspecting drivers.
He said: “I simply don't believe it will be used for children's safety.
“I think it's another way of getting revenue by stealth. I'm stunned by their belief that people will swallow this rubbish as a safety measure.
“The council is a willing agent of the government to turn this country into an Orwellian state, and they should feel ashamed.”
Mr Innes says more lollipop men and women could be brought in to do the job of protecting children.
He added: “I don't think we'll be seeing these vehicles outside of schools.
“I think the council simply can't help itself, how on earth will handing out fines help children be safe?”
The council's decision to trial the new system in the week most schools have broken up for the summer has also raised eyebrows.
Alison Butler, Labour spokeswoman for streets and environmental services said: “While we are fully supportive of this initiative, to ensure the safety of our children wouldn't it be better to trial it when the schools are open?”
ON THE HUNT: Council officers with the Smart car
CCRks220708c39 by Kevin Shaw
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