CCTV camera rakes in record fines for council
Almost £1m has come into city coffers
London: A CCTV camera is raking in almost £1 million (Dh5.59 million) a year for one council by catching drivers out as they drop passengers off outside a station.
On an average day it has been landing 23 motorists with a fine of £100 each, after recording them pulling in to a convenient bus stop.
But furious victims say officials behind the camera acted like "cowboy clampers" by installing the device without clear warnings.
Wandsworth council, in South-West London, now faces the embarrassing possibility of having to refund thousands of fines after it emerged the camera could breach Government guidelines.
Regulations state clear signs should be put up to warn people about surveillance — but these were apparently ignored by the council. That means it could be investigated by the Information Commissioner.
If that hit rate continues, with motorists paying the full £100, Wandsworth will rake in more than £930,000 a year — almost two thirds of their camera revenue.
Appeals
Although the Tory council routinely rejects appeals against tickets, officials have bowed to public pressure and put up warning signs.
Conservative councillor Russell King, who was fined himself, said the camera was "completely unfair and unjust".
The Department for Transport said CCTV must be well publicised and "local authorities are expected to comply with our guidance". But Wandsworth said most drivers know parking at a bus stop is illegal and claimed that the Traffic Management Act does not require warning signs to be used.
