Dangerous to ban safety car - council

Oldham’s camera car

THE safety of children is more important than the rights of “inconsiderate motorists” says Oldham Council - which has slammed new government legislation to ban camera cars.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin want to ban the safety vehicles, which issue parking tickets automatically from recorded footage.

Oldham’s safety car was introduced in 2012 following a plea from school girl Casey Devine. The vehicle parks outside schools at the start and end of the day to catch parents who park inconsiderately.

The car is also used in other areas the council considers dangerous - such as the tram route in Union Street.

Since the car was introduced two years ago, 7,379 tickets have been issued. The level and severity of Oldham traffic accidents continues to fall.

Mr Pickles said: “CCTV spy cars can be seen lurking on every street raking in cash for greedy councils and breaking the rules that clearly state that fines should not be used to generate profit for town halls.”

Councillor Jean Stretton, cabinet member for town centres, culture and tourism, said: “If we are picking sides on this then Eric Pickles can side with inconsiderate motorists who park their cars illegally if he wants. Oldham Council will continue as normal every school day to punish those drivers who park illegally.”