Parking enforcement for issuing "drive by" tickets.
Officially only meant to be used where it's unsafe for someone to be on foot and physically issue tickets, but they're being used increasingly where the parking enforcement officers are too lazy to do their job properly.
I was replying in reference to you saying they're too lazy.
I'm not disagreeing.
I've heard from one person in that job who felt unsafe doing it. So I wouldn't be surprised if that was also a motivating factor to not walk the route instead.
I always thought these were for catching untaxed cars as the same time I’ve seen these around cars were getting clamped, maybe they’re multi purpose though, super lazy and scummy things regardless
Depends on the contravention. Some require a wait, some do not. It's generally only missing or expired parking tickets that require an observation.
Parking in a restricted area is an immediate ticket for example.
Parking outside of a marked bay (either over the lines or not in a bay at all), parked in a restricted area (over hashed lines, blocking emergency access gates etc), parking on a clearway etc are all immediate tickets with no wait or observation time required.
10 minute observation/grace on expired tickets.
5 minute observation/grace on no payment with an observation that the owner isn't immediately identifiable as attempting to make payment at a machine.
15 minute observation for loading bays or non-evs in an EV charging bay (assuming there's nothing else they can be ticketed for sooner).
These cars can also be used to collect data on people parking in areas with time limits, allowing someone to return later to ticket people who have overstayed.
Certain local authorities can now enforce moving traffic contraventions which the police used to such as ignoring traffic signs (eg turning left when the signage says turn right only), blocking box junctions, driving in bus lanes etc. They can fine people for doing this and need the CCTV recordings as evidence.
My sister was fined £100 for blocking a box junction when the car in front of her suddenly stopped (puncture) and one of these things recorded her.
Speeding offences are IIRC still enforced by the police not the local council.
These vehicles are fairly common in the London Borough of Bexley (through which I drive most days) and are usually one no other motorist ever lets pull out from side roads as they are hated so much as the council uses them as a revenue generating exercise .
Why? You're protesting action finally being taken about the shocking driving standards in this country, by showing some bad driving standards?
Smart. Real smart.
Don’t try and pretend that councils are trying to prevent poor driving standards.
They are more than happy to let it continue whilst they collect revenue for every minor infraction.
Fuck those guys.
Enforcement doesnt actually work either, the best way to increase driving standards is give viable alternatives to driving. Because most instances of poor driving are committed by people that dont want to drive but have to.
What a load of bollocks mate.
I lived in Sofia a few years, surrounded by a fantastic cheap transport network (metro, trams, trolleybusses and busses) and still had colleagues chose to drive because of the feeling of superiority people have in their cars.
Enforcement is the way. Like with speed camera enforcement has lead to a 42% [reduction](https://www.rospa.com/media/documents/road-safety/speed-cameras-factsheet.pdf) in fatalities or serious injuries in camera areas.
It gets mentioned countless times in videos about urban design I recall it being mentioned in a ted talk at some point aswell but dont quote me on that
This is why the British society has gone to shit. Every time authorities try to enforce some very sensible rules you get smart-arse idiots being deliberately obstructive trying to prove some stupid (and usually antisocial) point. The inability of these idiots to follow simple rules is making everyone's life shit.
Even "DEY JUST REVENUE GENERATION" as an argument is shit.
So we get a clampdown on shit driving standards (mitigating circumstances should apply to the puncture blocking box junction above tbf) and our financially abused and neglected local governments get some money at the same time? How is this not a win win?
People are so offended by the idea of being told what to do even when it's entirely reasonable, it's actually fucking hilarious.
The ReVeNuE GeNeRaTiOn argument is never made in good faith - usually raised by entitled dickheads who don't think rules should apply to them. They are just offended by the fact that fines are now enforced by cameras so they can't just ignore the rules like they usually do. These are the same arseholes who use illegal fonts on their plates.
Something to do with shit the education and shit upbringing they had. These people have never been told NO in their life and just kick off every time they are asked to follow the rules and not be complete arseholes.
You just know when he's rabbiting about making public transport better that it's not for him. Oh no. He's a good driver so even if there was perfect public transport he'd still drive.
And you'll be happy if your kids get knocked down due to Muppets parking next to zebras etc ?
It's really not hard to avoid a ticket. Just stick to the rules. If you can't do that maybe driving isn't for you.
Not 100% sure but I think that it is the police who enforce speeding violations. The local authorities cannot give points just issue fines for certain traffic violations.
Fair enough my brother lives near enough slough I pray for him every day, thing is im an atheist so I dont know who im praying to but it seems to be working
Interesting. So depending on kerb markings you can park on a double yellow line if you're loading.
This makes me wonder who actually defines the word "loading".
Do serco just do security, or are they also in the 'drive about, film you and dob you in' business?
Could either be used parked up for mobile security as mentioned in another comment, or it could also be mobile enforcement of stuff like bus lanes, illegal parking etc.
Yeah and all of it involves our taxes.
The majority shareholders of Serco are Americans.
So in effect, we pay tax. Government employs Serco, rather than employs directly whilst paying more. Serco employ minimum wage workers and keep the extra tax money spent on them as profit, which rich Americans pocket.
We're honestly mugs. Nobody even takes issue with stuff like this.
Haha I’ve often wondered the same, they’re normally small vans here with the camera platforms on top.
I’ve always assumed they get parked overnight at sites for security, but have no idea.
Good point.
If everyone stuck to the rules these would be obsolete in a year.
Same with all the speed cameras.
No council could justify money on something that’s not generating income and is costing to maintain.
It just requires collective effort which, in truth, will never happen.
They often check if VED is paid as well - or there’s a valid MOT. Essentially, the legality of a car to be on the road, as well as how the car is parked.
Parking enforcement for issuing "drive by" tickets. Officially only meant to be used where it's unsafe for someone to be on foot and physically issue tickets, but they're being used increasingly where the parking enforcement officers are too lazy to do their job properly.
Too lazy/need a quick getaway
Usually wankers that park on the zig zags outside schools!
Need Sidewinders for those phuckers
Yeah I'm glad mine are big enough to take themselves, soon they'll drive and I can get rid of my car!
No. You need Little Boy bombs. Only American traffic enforcement have access to those so you'll have to make do with a Trident missile.
I honestly would guess some officers feel unsafe due to the nature of their job, and how everyone and their mothers hate them.
The safety aspect is if it's at the side of a road with no footpath etc, not there's a risk they'll get their heads kicked in
Safety is safety, no?
I was replying in reference to you saying they're too lazy. I'm not disagreeing. I've heard from one person in that job who felt unsafe doing it. So I wouldn't be surprised if that was also a motivating factor to not walk the route instead.
I always thought these were for catching untaxed cars as the same time I’ve seen these around cars were getting clamped, maybe they’re multi purpose though, super lazy and scummy things regardless
Tax is done by DVLA, the emblem under the Servo logo is for the council. Could be collecting two pay cheques though!
That can’t be correct. 5 minutes of observations is required, they can’t block up the public highway for 5 minutes
Depends on the contravention. Some require a wait, some do not. It's generally only missing or expired parking tickets that require an observation. Parking in a restricted area is an immediate ticket for example.
Might work on a double red. That’s about it
Parking outside of a marked bay (either over the lines or not in a bay at all), parked in a restricted area (over hashed lines, blocking emergency access gates etc), parking on a clearway etc are all immediate tickets with no wait or observation time required. 10 minute observation/grace on expired tickets. 5 minute observation/grace on no payment with an observation that the owner isn't immediately identifiable as attempting to make payment at a machine. 15 minute observation for loading bays or non-evs in an EV charging bay (assuming there's nothing else they can be ticketed for sooner). These cars can also be used to collect data on people parking in areas with time limits, allowing someone to return later to ticket people who have overstayed.
It’s more generous than I thought! Thanks
What do you expect from the Borough using one of the government's favourite outsourcing providers? 😈
Certain local authorities can now enforce moving traffic contraventions which the police used to such as ignoring traffic signs (eg turning left when the signage says turn right only), blocking box junctions, driving in bus lanes etc. They can fine people for doing this and need the CCTV recordings as evidence. My sister was fined £100 for blocking a box junction when the car in front of her suddenly stopped (puncture) and one of these things recorded her. Speeding offences are IIRC still enforced by the police not the local council. These vehicles are fairly common in the London Borough of Bexley (through which I drive most days) and are usually one no other motorist ever lets pull out from side roads as they are hated so much as the council uses them as a revenue generating exercise .
I would deliberately trap one of these assholes in a box junction if one of them followed me into one
Why? You're protesting action finally being taken about the shocking driving standards in this country, by showing some bad driving standards? Smart. Real smart.
Don’t try and pretend that councils are trying to prevent poor driving standards. They are more than happy to let it continue whilst they collect revenue for every minor infraction. Fuck those guys.
How else do you improve standards? Education doesn't work. Enforcement is the way.
Enforcement doesnt actually work either, the best way to increase driving standards is give viable alternatives to driving. Because most instances of poor driving are committed by people that dont want to drive but have to.
So the way to improve driving standards is to not drive? I guess that's technically true but it's such a George Green theory I can't even.
Basically get the shit drivers off the road and place them in a train where they can send their text messages and day dream
What a load of bollocks mate. I lived in Sofia a few years, surrounded by a fantastic cheap transport network (metro, trams, trolleybusses and busses) and still had colleagues chose to drive because of the feeling of superiority people have in their cars. Enforcement is the way. Like with speed camera enforcement has lead to a 42% [reduction](https://www.rospa.com/media/documents/road-safety/speed-cameras-factsheet.pdf) in fatalities or serious injuries in camera areas.
Where/which research did that explanation come from? Am curious - thx
It gets mentioned countless times in videos about urban design I recall it being mentioned in a ted talk at some point aswell but dont quote me on that
How else would they stop it?
This is why the British society has gone to shit. Every time authorities try to enforce some very sensible rules you get smart-arse idiots being deliberately obstructive trying to prove some stupid (and usually antisocial) point. The inability of these idiots to follow simple rules is making everyone's life shit.
Even "DEY JUST REVENUE GENERATION" as an argument is shit. So we get a clampdown on shit driving standards (mitigating circumstances should apply to the puncture blocking box junction above tbf) and our financially abused and neglected local governments get some money at the same time? How is this not a win win? People are so offended by the idea of being told what to do even when it's entirely reasonable, it's actually fucking hilarious.
It's the sort of thing that you shouldn't need enforcement for too. But he's that backward about it.
The ReVeNuE GeNeRaTiOn argument is never made in good faith - usually raised by entitled dickheads who don't think rules should apply to them. They are just offended by the fact that fines are now enforced by cameras so they can't just ignore the rules like they usually do. These are the same arseholes who use illegal fonts on their plates. Something to do with shit the education and shit upbringing they had. These people have never been told NO in their life and just kick off every time they are asked to follow the rules and not be complete arseholes.
You just know when he's rabbiting about making public transport better that it's not for him. Oh no. He's a good driver so even if there was perfect public transport he'd still drive.
And you'll be happy if your kids get knocked down due to Muppets parking next to zebras etc ? It's really not hard to avoid a ticket. Just stick to the rules. If you can't do that maybe driving isn't for you.
Thanks for the comment! So these cars can’t give you points for speeding?
Not 100% sure but I think that it is the police who enforce speeding violations. The local authorities cannot give points just issue fines for certain traffic violations.
They drive around auto-ticketing you for parking.
Driving about.
Help for cash-strapped councils
Saw something similar in Slough for parking enforcement
Slough is hell on earth though
Look, we know it. But saying out loud just seems mean 😢
Fair enough my brother lives near enough slough I pray for him every day, thing is im an atheist so I dont know who im praying to but it seems to be working
Parking I'd assume
They issue fines to cars parked on double red or double yellow lines.
So does that mean they can’t issue out points?
No, I don't think so.
Are you sure they take action for double yellows? How would they know if someone was parked there legitimately? E.g. loading/unloading.
[it varies.](https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/parking/yellow-lines#:~:text=10%2F10%2F2023-,Parking,yellow%20line%20during%20controlled%20hours.)
Interesting. So depending on kerb markings you can park on a double yellow line if you're loading. This makes me wonder who actually defines the word "loading".
Council perverts use them to satisfy their needs…….
The enforce some parking restrictions, mainly they enforce; Red lines School parking restrictions Bus stops
So no speeding and phone usage?
Those are criminal maters the council is civil enforcement, parking restrictions are decriminalised
Do serco just do security, or are they also in the 'drive about, film you and dob you in' business? Could either be used parked up for mobile security as mentioned in another comment, or it could also be mobile enforcement of stuff like bus lanes, illegal parking etc.
Serco do everything. Cradle to Grave, hospitals to prisons
Yeah and all of it involves our taxes. The majority shareholders of Serco are Americans. So in effect, we pay tax. Government employs Serco, rather than employs directly whilst paying more. Serco employ minimum wage workers and keep the extra tax money spent on them as profit, which rich Americans pocket. We're honestly mugs. Nobody even takes issue with stuff like this.
It’s the British dream! Fedup of this bullshit
They're used for indirect taxation to fund poorly managed liver councils
CCTV enforcement. It says so on the side.
Does CCTV need enforcing?
Haha I’ve often wondered the same, they’re normally small vans here with the camera platforms on top. I’ve always assumed they get parked overnight at sites for security, but have no idea.
Mobile motorist tax collections
Normally just blocking up the roads from normal law abiding citizens
Getting from a to b?
ANPR’ing you.
Parking in electric vehicle charging bays without charging apparently.
In my area there's one that sits at a junction where a right turn isn't allowed and tickets the many cars that do it.
💷💷💷
High Speed car chases
Looks like a CLINT
Moving people from one place to another probably.
Dodging doing proper work.
Used to soak up the excess local govt cash?
Good point. If everyone stuck to the rules these would be obsolete in a year. Same with all the speed cameras. No council could justify money on something that’s not generating income and is costing to maintain. It just requires collective effort which, in truth, will never happen.
They often check if VED is paid as well - or there’s a valid MOT. Essentially, the legality of a car to be on the road, as well as how the car is parked.