CCTV vehicle deployed to deter dangerous parking in Southend

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is deploying the latest generation of CCTV vehicle to deter motorists from parking dangerously – specifically outside schools and adjacent to bus stops.

The vehicle, which become operational yesterday (8 August), can automatically issue a penalty charge notice (PCN) to any driver parked on yellow zig zags or at bus stops when children are being dropped off at school.

Southend Council says the purpose of the CCTV vehicle is not to catch people out, but to protect children and others when crossing the road.

The vehicle will also be offered as a ‘response to justifiable concerns of parents and residents’, to ensure motorists comply with road safety regulations and to improve traffic flows.

Cllr Andrew Moring, cabinet member for infrastructure, said:

“The school run can be a stressful time for any parent, and those who drive their children to school face the difficult task of finding an appropriate place to drop their children off.

“Whilst we sympathise that this can prove problematic, we must be clear that it is by no means acceptable to park on zig zags or bus stops to drop their children off. These road marking are there for the protection of parents and children.

“Our aim for the CCTV vehicle is to deter drivers from causing unnecessary issues for other drivers, and also putting pedestrians at risk by obstructing views.

“We are confident that this will not only improve pedestrian safety, but also improve traffic flows in areas that often face grid-lock roads whilst having the additional benefit of improving air quality in these locations.”

09 August 2018