Motorists who park in resident only spaces now have a much greater chance of getting caught out and fined.

New technology is being introduced to help tackle the issue of cars without permits being left in resident only parking zones.

Cornwall Council says its camera cars aim to make best use of technology, give value for money and free up their civil enforcement officers so they can use them in other areas where there are parking issues. The use of the new camera cars means one Civil Enforcement Officer can cover the same distance of nearly four and half officers patrolling on foot.

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport Geoff Brown said: ‘This is the latest move to improve efficiency and to demonstrate to our residents we are acting to deter those who park in restricted parking zones.’

The vehicles are fitted with a camera which capture the details of vehicles parked in resident only parking spaces.  The technology will then check if that number plate is linked to a resident parking permit. The Civil Enforcement Officer will issue a Penalty Charge Notice if appropriate.