New CCTV car to start tackling illegal parking

A new car equipped with CCTV is set to start patrolling Leicester to clamp down on illegal and dangerous parking.

Leicester City Council said the enforcement vehicle would be used to monitor red routes, zigzag markings outside schools and bus stop clearways.

Drivers found flouting restrictions will be issued with a £70 fixed penalty notice, or a warning notice if the restrictions are newly established.

The car is due to take to the streets from Wednesday, the authority said.

The vehicle, which cost £57,000 to buy and equip, will be funded from the income it generates from penalties, the council added.

Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for transport and environment, said the car would be used to help address illegal parking in areas where "there are persistent issues but no fixed camera enforcement".

He added: "We know that camera enforcement can be a very effective deterrent.

"Parking without consideration for others, especially in areas where there are lots of children and busy traffic, will not be tolerated."

The council previously used a similar vehicle, which it leased from Nottingham City Council between August and December in 2019.

It patrolled city streets, enforcing double yellow lines and school gate restrictions, which resulted in more than 100 fines being issued to drivers.

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.