Councils in England could be banned from using CCTV cameras to impose parking fines on motorists under new government proposals.
Drivers would also be given the right to claim compensation of they are incorrectly fined for breaching parking restrictions.
Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has announced that he wants to prevent "overzealous" local authorities from using CCTV cameras and so-called "spy cars" to maximise their income from parking fines, warning that public support for CCTV could be weakened if people believed that it was being used to generate revenue, rather than preventing crime.
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A government consultation published today will suggest amending the legislation within the Traffic Management Act 2004 to make the practice illegal.
Mr Pickles told the Daily Telegraph: "We want to rein in these overzealous and unfair rules on parking enforcement, so it focuses on supporting high streets and motorists, not raising money.
"Parking spy cameras are just one example of this and a step too far. Public confidence is strengthened in CCTV if it is used to tackle crime, not to raise money for council officers."
Official statistics revealed last month showed that local councils generated £635million in profit this year from parking charges and fines.
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