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New CCTV blitz on drivers
BLACKPOOL'S network of CCTV cameras is to be turned on drivers flouting parking rules.
Under new powers introduced this week, the resort's 139 cameras will be used to catch those breaking the rules of the road – starting at the resort's schools.
CCTV can now be used to identify drivers pulling up on zigzag ines at schools, failing to stop at zebra crossings and ignoring lollipop ladies, as well as breaking parking rules.
For the first time, parking tickets wiill be sent out by post – days or weeks after the event.
Safety campaigners have hailed the changes – but drivers' groups says they are an extension of 'open season on the motorist.'
Parents parking on zigzag lines when dropping off or collecting children at schools will be the first target under the new powers.
Carole Bracegirdle, Blackpool's road safety manager, said: "We have to use everything at our disposal to discourage this dangerous practice. We already work with traffic wardens but when they leave the problem returns.
"Identifying drivers using CCTV means drivers could not get away with simply pulling up and dropping off their children and driving away."
Coun Ian Fowler, Blackpool Council's deputy leader, said: "We have the powers to use CCTV to give fixed penalties for those parking on zigzags as we tackle this 'just dropping off' culture. There are no plans to widen that at present, although obviously it could be brought in at a later date."
The move has even been backed by anti-speed camera campaigner Mary Smith who said: "If parents insist on putting children in such danger they deserve what they get. One child's life is one too many. We should use whatever means possible to tackle this."
Hamish Clough, deputy headteacher at Anchorsholme School, said: "We would welcome the new approach, it is irrelevant whether someone is given a ticket or sent one in the post if they have broken the law."
Under the new Traffic Management Act the council is also bringing in new fines to reflect the severity of the offence going down to 50 for overstaying time in a car park and going up to 70 for parking on double yellow lines.
But motoring advocates have slammed the new policy.
Blackpool speed camera campaigner Richard Hook said: "Drivers would not receive evidence until long after the event, when they are unable to establish the facts."
The AA said drivers delivering or dropping off passengers and disabled blue badge holders could find themselves facing a tickets they would find hard to challenge.
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
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