Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s enforcement car is thinking for itself, with new software targeting problem parking areas.
The vehicle had previously needed a manned operator for its recording equipment, but now the car just needs a driver to carry out its duties. It will now be deployed in problem areas around schools, hospitals and essential access roads or entries. The carโs new software will be pre-programmed with known problem spots around the city, and in places where sending enforcement officers would be impractical.
The new software means the car can drive past any of these areas and instantly record data, which is then examined by enforcement officers back at base, who will decide whether to take any action. If they do, a penalty charge notice can then be sent by post to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Councillor Janine Bridges, cabinet member for city services, said: โThe camera car has so far generated about £120,000 as a result of enforcement action but of course, itโs only penalising people who have contravened motoring restrictions, such as driving in a bus lane but we hope to roll this out to cover more areas in the future.
โWith this new software, the car can drive down a street and automatically detect anyone parked in contravention, and then the data can be downloaded and a penalty sent out if appropriate.
โItโs useful, for example, where people block a road near a school or hospital, preventing essential access or potentially causing an accident. An enforcement officer turning up often prompts people to move and then come back later when they have gone โ in this way not only can we take enforcement action but educate people that parking in places like this causes real problems and has to stop.โ
