Blackpool Council to use automatic cameras to prosecute illegally parked drivers
“Implemented to improve road safety, pedestrian visibility, and compliance.”
Blackpool Council is set to use automatic cameras to prosecute illegally parked drivers.
The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be mounted on vehicles patrolling the resort's streets. These cameras are designed to scan and record the registration plates of vehicles parked in violation of traffic laws.
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Once a vehicle is identified as being illegally parked, the registered owner will receive a parking fine by post, eliminating the need for physical tickets to be placed on the windscreen. A public notice confirms that the new system will be operational starting June 1.
The notice states: "This measure is being implemented to improve road safety, pedestrian visibility, and compliance with longstanding traffic restrictions."
The decision to implement the ANPR system follows an increasing need for more efficient ways to enforce parking laws, especially in high-traffic areas where illegal parking can lead to congestion and safety risks.
The cameras will help authorities better monitor traffic flow and improve pedestrian safety by targeting problem areas more effectively. Drivers who are ticketed under the new system will face a £70 fine, which can be reduced by half if paid within 14 days. However, if the fine remains unpaid, it will increase, and the driver could face potential court action.
Last year, the council also introduced a car equipped with ANPR technology to tackle illegal parking outside Blackpool's schools. This initiative focused on school-run parents who parked on double red and yellow zig-zag lines, which are designed to protect children as they cross the street.
The vehicle, a Toyota Proace funded from the parking services budget, was primarily used for this purpose, though the council warned it could also be used to catch other illegally parked vehicles in the resort. The aim is to address the persistent issue of parking violations in key areas, such as around schools, and extend the enforcement capability throughout the town.
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A council spokesperson explained, "Where traditional enforcement methods aren't always enough, a camera car is another addition to our existing parking services resources that can be used to improve road safety across the town."
The use of ANPR technology is expected to reduce the need for manual intervention, enabling faster and more consistent enforcement of traffic regulations.