Council CCTV to stop parking wars

Kirklees Cabinet is being asked to approve a plan in January to introduce mobile cameras to improve road safety and reduce delays to public transport outside the area’s schools.

The council has introduced signs to clearly state waiting restrictions outside Kirklees schools and the cameras will enable these restrictions to be enforced. Those in breach will be fined.

The cameras will also help to improve safety by preventing parking at pedestrian crossings and will be used to alleviate problems reported by motorists, taxi drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport operators in town centres, taxi ranks, bus stop clearways and cycle lanes.

Cabinet member for regeneration environment and transport Coun Peter McBride said: “The introduction of mobile parking enforcement will help to improve community safety and will also reduce delays and disruption to public transport and other road users.

“It will also complement the council’s investment over the past few years in bus improvements.”

If approved, the cameras will be put into action on April 1. The equipment will be fitted to the roof of a council vehicle and automatic number plate recognition used to identify vehicles illegally parked.

The evidence will then be reviewed before a penalty charge notice is issued and photographic evidence sent to the address of the vehicle’s registered keeper.

Use of the camera would help keep bus lanes and cycle lanes clear of traffic as well as dual carriageways with waiting restrictions, zig-zag markings near schools and crossings and bus stops where disabled people can have difficulty boarding when buses are unable to reach the raised kerbs.

The camera can also be used in areas where civil enforcement officers have been at risk of threatening and violent behaviour.