Vigilantes who warn motorists they are being watched by CCTV cars say they were threatened by council contractors when their cavalcade rolled into town at the weekend.

NoToMOB, a group so angered at councils making millions of pounds out of traffic enforcement through cameras affixed onto smart cars, followed Sutton council's camera cars on Saturday with large signs pointing them out to people.

After speaking to police in the morning and giving officers their 'statement of intent' the group set about their mission, but soon got into an altercation with NSL staff, who are contracted by the council to run the cars.

The group's statement of intent says; "I am not following the people in the car, I am following the car. I am not trying to stop the CCTV operators from doing their job. In fact, I am encouraging them to do so."

Guidance from the secretary of state advises local authorities; "The purpose of penalty charges is to dissuade motorists from breaking parking restrictions.

"The objective should be for 100 percent compliance, with no penalty charges."

NoToMOB take this very literally, and claim that by helping motorists to avoid parking tickets through their giant warning signs they are carrying around with them, they are in fact doing what the secretary of state asks.

However when the group pointed this out to an NSL member of staff on Saturday, they said they were threatened, prompting them to lodge a formal complaint with the council.

A group member who goes by the name Bald Eagle, said: "The man said he would not stand for anyone putting his operators in danger by making them more visible.

"I don't think he realises they are supposed to be a visible deterrent. I wonder if Sutton Council is aware NSL have adopted such a policy in their name?

"He concluded the rant by suggesting we meet one night after work so he could 'sort me out'. When asked if it was a threat, he said he didn't make threats he made promises."

A council spokesperson said: "A complaint has been lodged about an incident and we will investigate thoroughly and take the appropriate action."

 

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