A PARKING enforcement car with CCTV camera is to be unleashed on the borough prompting critics to accuse Redbridge Council of using Big Brother tactics to raise funds.

The first controversial vehicle - estimated to generate over £1million per year in fines - will soon be patrolling streets in an apparent attempt to address traffic problems.

Care home worker Karen Powel, of Rodney Road, Wanstead, told the Guardian the £93,000 vehicle was simply a stealth tax.

The mum-of-two said: “It’s just a ruse to make money and I’ve always thought that. Motorists get a hard enough time as it is and the roads are in a terrible state.

“Road tax and insurance has gone up so I think instead of buying this car they should put the money into repairing the road.”

Paul Lough, manager of Parker Dairies depot in Wood Street, Walthamstow, said his business is under threat as their milk floats have collected over 50 fines in Waltham Forest - which already has the cars - over the last 18 months.

He said: “It could mean no milk in the tea for the people of Wanstead if Redbridge Council don’t reconsider and be a bit more sympathetic to motorists and businesses.

“The cost is phenomenal and if it carries on there will be certain areas that we will not be able to serve. They are becoming so popular as I know just one car can generate £1.7million.

“We need to be able to jump out of the float to deliver a pint of milk without getting a ticket as that could mean 20 fines just down Wanstead High Street.

A Redbridge Council spokesman said the vehicle was being introduced in order to help make the borough a safer place to live.

He added: “The vehicle will assist us in meeting our responsibility to manage the highway network and parking within the Borough to ensure the smooth and safe movement of traffic, drivers and pedestrians.

“It will supplement the fixed cameras which already exist in a number of areas across the Borough and both will be used for parking enforcement, together with the existing on street enforcement by the civil enforcement officers.”