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Cameras nab delivery drivers
TRADERS were claiming victory this week after the Town Hall agreed to stop using its CCTV cameras to issue delivery drivers with parking tickets in a residential Angel street.
Shops complained that the cameras, installed six months ago to combat vandalism and violent crime in St Peter’s Street, were being used to catch delivery drivers double-parking.
But an unrepentant Town Hall said that, although delivery drivers will escape fines, it intends to use the cameras to catch other drivers who double-park.
Murat Kayran, who owns St Peter’s Food Store in St Peter’s Street, was told delivery drivers can park outside his shop without fear of prosecution.
Mr Kayran said: “The council came by to tell me this morning that our delivery people can park here. They said that double parking isn’t legal, but for me they’re making an allowance.”
Other drivers who double-park outside will face fines.
Tim Newark, founder of parking protest party Local Freedom, criticised the Town Hall for “snooping” on motorists.
He said: “Aren’t there enough traffic wardens pounding our streets? CCTV should be used in trouble-spots and it shouldn’t be used to snoop.
“I’ve been trying to get CCTV into local shops so it’s a bit rich not to give it to them and then put cameras up to raise cash through parking tickets.”
He added: “Shops in Highbury Barn are being broken into and, when I raised the issue with the council, they said they couldn’t afford cameras.”
Labour councillor Martin Klute, who represents St Peter’s ward, said: “I just think it’s the wrong use of CCTV. It should be used to catch criminals.
“It particularly concerns me because it is being used to persecute small traders.”
Lib Dem deputy council leader Councillor Lucy Watt said: “The cameras are also used to monitor crime and anti-social behaviour.
“We believe it was important to stop double-parking in this road, because this also makes it dangerous for children crossing the road. We want to support local business so we’ve placed 22 pay-and-display bays in St Peter’s Street and a further 14 in side roads nearby for shoppers.”
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