TOWN hall transport bosses are launching two new 'spy cars’ to clampdown on illegal parking just days after a government minister vowed to outlaw them.

The cars will be mounted with cameras and patrol the town to catch out people parking illegally including in 'keep clear’ markings outside schools, bus stops and loading bays.

The council announced the new parking enforcement vehicles 10 days after Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles waged war on councils using 'spy cars’ to fill their coffers.

Councillor Sohail Munawar, commissioner for social and economic inclusion, with a responsibility for road safety, said: “We understand people may think these cars are being used simply to make money, but that is not the case. It’s one method we are using to address road safety and to deal with those people who park in dangerous and illegal places. I’m sure law abiding drivers and considerate parkers will welcome this deterrent to those less considerate.” Mr Pickles, however, speaking on Friday, September 27, said: “It’s kind of the easy answer to say 'it’s all to protect the children’. But local authorities are running seminars about maximising their income on parking fines.” He even said councils could be breaking the law by using the cars to raise money, adding: “We are worried that what is happening in local authorities is they are using parking fines as a kind of a cash cow from motorists. The legislation is very clear, you cannot do so.” The cars will be wheeled out from Monday, October 21. Civil enforcement officers will drive the cars from Monday to Saturday, with ad-hoc Sunday enforcement.

They will be used where on-foot enforcement is 'difficult, sensitive or not practical’ and use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to catch motorists.

Postal penalty charge notices will be issued for the first time by the council for anyone caught parking against the rules. There will be a £70 fine, or £35 if paid within 14 days.