'Sneaky spy cars' will stop filming drivers

A London council is set to ban CCTV-equipped "spy cars" used to film motorists and issue fines for parking and driving offences.

Lord True, leader of Richmond council, said: "These cars have been a menace and I for one will be glad to see the back of them.

"Many see them to be an arbitrary way of dealing with parking issues." He said that if his colleagues voted with him on Thursday "the cars will not return to our streets". Instead of "sitting out of sight in a spy car", Civil Enforcement Officers should make "greater efforts to talk to people".

The cars fell into disrepute when Richmond council had to pay back about £1 million in incorrectly issued fines.

Campaigner Barrie Segal said: "Banning the cars, which are sneaky and underhand, is very welcome. I call on other councils to follow Richmond's lead."