A CRACKDOWN on ‘disruptive and dangerous’ parking outside schools will see a new mobile CCTV car patrolling Luton streets from next month.
Last year, enforcement officers from Luton Borough Council dished out 160 fines to people on white road markings outside schools, and the new vehicle will mean the council can carry out further patrols outside schools at peak times.
The camera car has an 3.2 metre mast on top, as well as large CCTV markings to make it clearly visible to motorists.
It will also be used to deal with problem parking anywhere across the borough, such as vehicles parked on yellow lines, at bus stops, on pedestrian crossings or on the pavement where it is not permitted.
It will also be used to enforce bus lane regulations where there are no fixed cameras.
Councillor Dave Taylor, responsible for road safety, said: “Residents across Luton have been pressing the council to take more action against inconsiderate and dangerous parking near schools for a number of years.
“Drivers who park illegally, who use bus lanes during hours of operation or commit other traffic contraventions cause an obstruction and danger to other road users and pedestrians and also delay public transport.
“The council has purchased a CCTV vehicle in order to address parking at problems areas where motorists are putting the safety of others at risk and causing unnecessary congestion.
“It will also act as a strong visual deterrent to motorists who may put the safety of others at risk.
“The council has identified problem areas at various locations across the borough, including where there are school ‘keep clear’ yellow zig-zag markings, at bus lanes, and parking on a yellow line when a loading ban is in place.”