Now Spy Cams Hit Car Parks

Are these two set to be the most hated men in Britain? Andrew McKerney (left) and David Taylor are selling CCTV cameras which spy on cars and automatically alert parking attendants if a driver doesn't buy a ticket.

Auto Express Car Reviews

27th April 2005

"We're simply helping operators to protect their business," argued McKerney, managing director of ParkingEye, based in Preston, Lancashire. "Anybody who does not have a valid ticket is effectively stealing, whether it's a council facility or a commercial one."

For on-street parking, the camera spots a vehicle as it pulls up. If the driver doesn't buy a ticket, the system sends a text message alert to the nearest attendant, who can issue a fine within seconds. The same happens if the car overstays. In multi-storeys, the camera reads the number plate, and if the owner parks without paying then a fine claim arrives through the post automatically.

McKerney and Taylor are set to trial ParkingEye on London streets and at supermarkets. "It's not about 'big brother'," said McKerney. "We're not watching for watching's sake. The system makes sure people who park pay up - either by buying a ticket or settling a fine."