LGA warns against CCTV parking ban

Road safety campaigners, schools, disability and pedestrian charities and transport groups have joined councils in warning against plans to ban CCTV parking cameras, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).

LGA says the Government wants to stop councils from using CCTV to tackle issues such as dangerous parking outside schools and preventing drivers from blocking bus lanes.

The LGA, which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, said the ban would do little to reduce the number of tickets given to drivers breaking the law but would put schoolchildren at risk and worsen road safety.

Instead of a blanket CCTV ban, the LGA is calling for the Government to convene a working group of councils, charities, road safety campaigners and motoring groups to rewrite the current statutory parking guidance and revise the rules on the use of CCTV.

The LGA’s call is backed by groups including the National Association of Head Teachers, Disabled Motoring UK, Living Streets, Brake, Royal National Institute for the Blind and PACTS.

Councillor Peter Box, chair of the LGA’s Economy and Transport Board, said: "Road safety campaigners and disability and pedestrian charities all agree with councils that banning CCTV parking enforcement will put school children and disabled pedestrians at risk and worsen road safety.

"Most of the time councils get it right on parking but know mistakes can be made and are committed to doing more to tackle the deep-rooted misconception that they are using parking charges to raise money.

“CCTV camera cars mainly act as a visible deterrent and account for just 2% of total parking income while less than 1% of motorists appeal fines issued by CCTV enforcement.

"They are essential to help councils tackle dangerous and illegal parking outside schools, stop drivers blocking bus lanes and essential loading bays for businesses and delivery firms, protect disabled pedestrians against reckless motorists parking on pavements and improve safety on dangerous roads or junctions.

"A blanket ban on the use of CCTV is not the way to tackle the Government’s concerns around parking.

“Instead, councils, charities, motoring and pedestrian groups and road safety campaigners want to constructively work with government to reshape parking policy for the better and without jeopardising the safety of our children and vulnerable people."