WANSTEAD: CCTV cars introduced to tackle parking chaos

8:34am Thursday 14th February 2008

PARKING enforcement cars with CCTV cameras are 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 - will be launched in July in an apparent attempt to address the traffic gridlock that grips Wanstead High Street and will be backed up by fixed CCTV cameras.

Snaresbrook Safer Neighbourhood Team ward panel member Jill Stock raised the matter of parking at an area one committee meeting but is unimpressed by the £135,000 scheme which will operate from 8am to 2am seven days a week.

She said: "I think it will bring in revenue but will not sort out the problems. I know it will cost a lot of money but they need to widen the high street on the west side and allow parking there.

"I don't want to see elderly people stopping off the get a pint of milk and getting fined as they need to be able to do that. We need more spaces and to reduce the amount of residents parking in the neighbouring streets."

Paul Lough, manager of Parker Dairies depot in Wood Street, Walthamstow, organises milk deliveries all over Redbridge and said that the move was a blatant attempt to raise funds.

He added: "Without a shadow of a doubt it's definitely a stealth tax looking to hit motorists as the easiest targets. They are becoming so popular as I know just one car can generate £1.7million.

"At the moment we are getting tickets in Waltham Forest if we stop outside a cafe for three minutes. It's ridiculous and we will have to spot delivering milk to Wanstead High Street if it goes ahead."

Cabinet member for highways and cleansing Cllr Goody said the introduction was a genuine attempt to deal with a traffic problem.

He explained: "Sometimes can rush back to their vehicles and get away with it as traffic wardens must physically issue the ticket but with these cars they don't have to hand the ticket to the driver."

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