Wirral’s parking “spy car” to continue

Birkenhead News - by Liam Murphy

NEW rules are being introduced by council chiefs so they can continue using a controversial “spy car” to enforce parking laws.

The use of the Smart car, equipped with specialised CCTV camera equipment, was thrown into question after a landmark legal ruling last month.

Wirral Council had been using cameras set up in the vehicle to target illegal parking.

They photograph drivers who park wrongly and then send them a fine through the post.

Next week, the council’s audit committee will be advised of new procedures for using the vehicle.

Officials will have to put up notices in the street warning drivers the equipment is being operated in the area.

A council report said: “Before commencing enforcement, traffic signs will be erected either end of the enforcement location to advise motorists of the presence of the CCTV camera.

“This is in addition to the on-vehicle markings and the existing road markings and signs.”

Wallasey councillor Leah Fraser, Conservative spokeswoman on the audit committee, said: “The spy car was sneakily launched on an unsuspecting public without prior warning or publicity.

“If we want people to park more sensibly, it would be better if drivers knew the consequences beforehand and the spy car must be parked legally as well.”

Rachel Johnson, 34, who owns Bargain Booze off licence, in Victoria Road, New Brighton, received three £70 parking fines through the post in one week as a result of pictures taken by a “spy camera”.

But, after Ms Johnson took her case to a traffic penalty tribunal, it was ruled unless councils put up signs warning motorists the cars are being used, the tickets are invalid.

Ms Johnson’s ruling could open the floodgates for thousands of other appeals from motorists.

The periscope-mounted camera cars were first trialled in London at the beginning of 2007 before being rolled out across the UK.

It is estimated more than 30 councils now use Smart cars to supplement traffic wardens.

The council report added: “Wirral is currently one of a small number of authorities outside London with Secretary of State approval for CCTV parking enforcement”.

The vehicle has a mobile CCTV control room, including cameras, recording and playback equipment.



© copyright Birkenhead News. Reproduced under fair use for the dual purposes of comment and news reporting
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Wirral surgery gets green light

Liverpool Echo - by Gary Stewart

A GP ‘super surgery’ will be built on greenbelt lane next to Arrowe Park after an 10 year battle.

Opponents had cited a lack of public transport, destruction of greenbelt and traffic issues as reasons to throw out the plan.

But Wirral councillors backed the move, after it was put back before them in a modified form.

The surgery at The Warrens will amalgamate surgeries from Irby, Heswall, and Thingwall.

MP Stephen Hesford said: “The struggle’s over, so now let the community come together behind the fantastic new health facilities to be built.”

© copyright Wirral News. Reproduced under fair use for the dual purposes of comment and news reporting
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Wirral traders’ fury at ‘pay to display’ charges

Wirral News - by Carrie Catterall


SHOPKEEPERS are set to start a petition against Wirral Council who are charging them to put up A boards and signs in the street.

The new conditions and charges apply to all businesses who use A boards, signs or external shop displays to advertise their business.

From now on shop and business owners wanting to display A boards must pay £50 for the first year and then £40 for every subsequent year.

For those wanting a shop display licence, which allows displays to take up a maximum of five square meters outside their business, shopkeepers must pay £75 for the first year and £60 for every subsequent year.

These charges have particularly angered business owners in Banks Road, West Kirby, who have advertised their businesses with shop displays and A boards for years without having to pay a charge.

A group of business owners in the area now say they will be forming a petition against the council.

Tony Dangerfield, owner of Waverly newsagents, West Kirby, has had to apply for a shop display licence.

He said: “I don’t look at this as a licence fee but as another form of tax on small businesses.

“We work to a budget so every additional cost thrown on us in these times has to be recovered from somewhere else and labour is our only flexible cost.”

Another Banks Road businessman said: “I think this is absolutely dreadful.

“We are in the middle of a credit crunch, so surely the council should be helping us out not putting more pressure on us.”

A spokeswoman for Wirral Council said: “For many years, businesses have been using the pavements as an extension of their premises by displaying notices, A boards, signs and external shop displays.

“There have been a number of occasions where this has caused significant problems for pedestrians, wheelchair and pushchair users and people with disabilities.

“Many local authorities have adopted a hard line approach by enforcing a complete ban on such items and will seek to have them removed.

“However, Wirral Council understands the importance of advertising for local businesses, particularly in the current economic climate, so has taken a more reasonable approach by assessing each case on its own merits.

“The council sets charges to offset the costs of administrating the application and permit system and resourcing highway enforcement, which ensures that people can use the pavements safely and without obstructions.”


© copyright Wirral News. Reproduced under fair use for the dual purposes of comment and news reporting

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Make Wirral Council Repay unlawful charges to people in supported living

Kemal Houghton invites you to join the Facebook group "Make Wirral Council Repay unlawful charges to people in supported living".

To see more details and confirm this group invitation, follow this link:
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Thanks,
Make Wirral Council Repay unlawful charges to people in supported living

Type: Common Interest - Beliefs & Causes
Description: The Audit Commission have said that Wirral Council imposed a charge on people in supported living schemes that was unlawful. Although Wirral's Department of Adult Social Services claim that these charges have now ceased there has still been no offer of reimbursement. One local councillor has estimated that up to £1m has been taken off vulnerable people in this way. The council have a duty to protect such people from, amongst other things, financial exploitation and yet they have done nothing to put this matter right.

Members of this group are determined that Wirral Council will be made to make proper recompense.
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