Councils' use of CCTV to fine motorists for parking to be made illegal

Councils in England could be banned from using CCTV cameras and "spy cars" to hand motorists parking fines under new government proposals

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles wants to prevent councils from using the cameras to maximise their income from parking fines. (PA)

Drivers could be given the right to claim compensation if they are incorrectly fined for parking in the wrong place.

Councils in England could be banned from using CCTV cameras and "spy cars" to hand motorists parking fines under new government proposals.

Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has said he wants to prevent "overzealous” local authorities from using the cameras to maximise their income from parking fines.

The consultation, published today, will advise that the Government amends their legislation within the Traffic Management 2004 to make the practice illegal.

Mr Pickles told the Daily Telegraph: “We want to rein in these over-zealous and unfair rules on parking enforcement, so it focuses on supporting high streets and motorists, not raising money.

“Parking spy cameras are just one example of this and a step too far. Public confidence is strengthened in CCTV if it is used to tackle crime, not to raise money for council officers.”

The Conservative Government are hoping the announcement will act as a moral-booster as they prepare for their annual party conference in Manchester next week.

Seventy five local authorities have been given permission to use "approved devices" such as CCTV, the Telegraph reported.

The Department for Transport said CCTV should be used only when it is impractical to use traffic wardens.