Being kind to the environment whilst keeping the roads safe

Two new electric vehicles quipped with cameras will be keeping the roads in Wandsworth safe.

The council is about to take delivery of the vehicles with front and rear facing cameras which will be used to capture evidence of parking contraventions and moving traffic offences that endanger other road users.

The cars are Peugeot e208s and will have a range of uses, typically to gather evidence of motorists who block "school keep clear" spaces and accident hotspots.

Recently a community group in Battersea were left frustrated as parents on the school run put resident's lives at risk as they blocked an emergency access road.

The new electric cars will also gather information where drivers ignore 'no entry signs', contravene no turn restrictions or drive the wrong way down one way streets.

The move is a part of the council's efforts to tackle climate change.

The old fleet of cars needed engines running for the camera to work but the new models will operate normally without emitting any exhaust fumes.

Transport spokesman Cllr John Locker said: "Using an environmentally friendly electric vehicle instead of petrol engined versions means a cheaper and cleaner operation. As well as lower running costs these vehicles will help deliver better air quality.

"We will be using them primarily to help improve road safety at sensitive locations. These include outside school entrances where parking on the yellow zig zag markings puts children at risk.

"And we know of locations where drivers ignore road signs and carry out unlawful manoeuvres that endanger pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers.

"As well as delivering cleaner air these electric vehicles will help us deliver safer streets too."

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