Parking enforcement camera van keeps bus stops free of cars

Nearly 3,000 fines have been handed out to motorists parked illegally in bus stops in Swansea.

The clamp down on motorists is part of a campaign by Swansea Council to tackle selfish parking across the city and is targeting bus stops and zig zags outside schools.

The fines have been issued using an innovative enforcement vehicle with a camera mounted on the roof which tracks and records vehicles that are parked in restricted areas throughout Swansea.

Loading bays on busy streets are also being monitored by the enforcement van.

The vehicle was launched in January 2015 and so far, 5,052 penalty charge notices have been issued.

Of those, 2,849 have been issued for vehicles in bus stops. A further 1,304 have been issued for vehicles that have parked in restricted zones where loading is allowed at certain times of the day.

Almost 400 tickets were also issued for vehicles parked on pedestrian crossings.

Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment & Transportation, said: “The vehicle was launched as a direct result of regular complaints to us about bus stops being obstructed by cars that are illegally parked, especially on main bus routes leaving the city centre.

“I’m pleased that the new van is helping to achieve what we set out to do. Our advice to motorists is – make sure you park somewhere safe and legal and you will not get a ticket.”

Justin Davies, Managing Director, First Cymru. “We welcome the effort the Council is making to clamp down on those selfish motorists who park in bus stops.

“Specifically if someone has parked in a stop it prevents the bus from pulling up flush with the kerb, which in turn makes it harder for elderly and disabled people, as well as those with shopping trolleys, prams and buggies, to get on and off buses safely.”