2,000 fines handed out to motorists caught parking illegally in Sandwell 'camera car' drive

It has been hitting the streets as part of a crackdown on roads around Sandwell's 120 schools.

Fitted with CCTV equipment that automatically clocks number plates, the car captures images of vehicles parked illegally, including on yellow zig-zag 'keep-clear' markings outside schools.

A total of 2,011 fines, each £70, have been issued between October 13 October and May 12. Fines are being issued for illegal parking on red routes and bus stops.

Councillor Maria Crompton, cabinet member for highways and environment, said: "We're responding to people's serious concerns about road safety, especially outside schools and on school routes. Our top priority is protecting children's safety.

"We know most motorists do take care and park legally – but we need to get the message through to the minority who don't.

"Please – mums, dads, grandparents, carers, anyone picking a child up from school – the yellow zig-zags are there for a reason."

The scheme has cost the council £45,000. But bosses have defended the spending saying it worth it to reduce illegally parking and boost safety around schools. Money received from the fines goes towards running the car.

Among the areas that have been targeted by the car are streets near Q3 Academy in Great Barr, where there have been problems with nuisance parking.

Council leader Darren Cooper has previously said it was hoped that the presence of the camera car will also deter motorists from parking where they shouldn't.

The authority piloted the scheme before launching it fully last year. It was then introduced into areas that have been hotspots for complaints.

Bosses said it had been well-received by residents, staff and parents when the vehicle was spotted around schools.

But it was met with scepticism by one road safety group in Smethwick. Keep Crossing's members argued that they could run an effective scheme using volunteer parents at more schools, for a much lower cost.

The camera that is fitted to the vehicle cost around £35,000 and the equipment to operate it around £6,000. Annual maintenance of the equipment is around £4,000.

The council is also using CCTV cameras in the borough. They have also been brought in to help reduce anti-social behaviour in Soho and Victoria and Princes End.

Wolverhampton City Council has been using a CCTV car to catch drivers parking outside the city's schools since November 2012 with officials saying it helps make the roads safer for children going to school.