CCTV car caught parking illegally

11/01/12

By Kev Kiernan

A CCTV camera-mounted council vehicle which has helped a local authority rake in hundreds of thousands of pounds from motorists has itself been caught breaking the law.

Around 5,600 people in Stoke-on-Trent have each been fined £60 for alleged driving offences resulting from the spy car's activity.

However, locals have photographed the car illegally parking on double yellow lines and in loading-only bays in the city centre. Residents have heavily criticised the council for its double standards.

One local man, 34-year-old Philip Barnes from nearby Wolstanton, said: "It's a bit of a contradiction if they're issuing traffic fines and then have been caught out themselves. They should be brought to task like anyone else.

"If the council's giving out these penalties, it should set a good example."

But council spokesman Ian Tamburello insisted: "Wherever possible, the enforcement vehicles park legally and only park in restricted areas in exceptional circumstances."