That Spy Car

Today our local newspaper reported that one of Basildon's "spy cars" had parked illegally. These are the cars that 'spy' on other motorists parked illegally, film them and then fine them. A member of the public took a photo of the car parked half on the pavement and on a yellow line.

The manager for "Parking enforcement" for Basildon Council said that the officer had stopped for a few minutes to carry out vital log paperwork ... officers have been advised not to park in such positions again."

So if I get a parking ticket, all I have to say is that I had some important paperwork to do and I won't do it again. Then I'm bound to be let off - aren't I?

Overt spying?

In our local newspaper this week the banner headline is, "Drivers beware: parking spy-car planned". Now spying is something that is done covertly. So how can we call this a spy car when emblazoned on the bodywork is "CCTV mobile traffic and parking enforcement" AND there's a CCTV camera stuck up on a pole going up about ten feet above the roof! I don't think it will be able to 'creep' up on unsuspecting motorists!

Various people were quoted in the article who are against this car. It's interesting that people object to being fined for parking illegally. When they do this, they normally cause an obstruction which often causes traffic congestion. And when I'm held up because of illegally parked cars, I'm all for the "spy-car"!

But I bet it'll never be there when you want it ...