Date: 19/3/07
Author:  Natalie Fahy
Source: Richmond & Twickenham News

A high-tech car fitted with a CCTV camera on a periscope will be deployed to spot motorists who park irresponsibly, Richmond upon Thames Council has announced.

The specially modified Smart car will begin a two-month trial in the borough from April.

It will target known hotspots, homing in on motorists parking on pavements and illegally parking around schools and pedestrian crossings.

It will also enforce traffic and parking restrictions on rugby match days around Twickenham Stadium.

Motorists caught flouting the rules will be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

The cars are already being used by Westminster, Enfield, Camden and Islington Councils and have proved effective in improving pedestrian safety and reducing traffic accidents and congestion.

Coun David Trigg, cabinet member for traffic, transport and parking, said: "Indiscriminate parking around schools and pedestrian crossings is highly irresponsible and poses a real danger to pedestrians.

"This new technology will enable us to focus on problem areas quickly and efficiently, in a way that parking attendants are unable to do.

"The car is also visually distinctive and I hope it will prove an effective deterrent to motorists. Similar vehicles have been successful in other London boroughs and this trial will determine how well it works in Richmond upon Thames."

The car will be operated by trained staff and fitted with analogue and digital CCTV recording and monitoring equipment.

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