DRIVERS are being warned to watch out as two council spy cars hit the streets of Southend. The hi-tech Toyota IQs will use CCTV equiment to film evidence of illegally-parked vehicles. Enforcement officers will not need to leave their seats to place tickets on windscreens, as they will simply record the evidence on camera and post out the fines.

Tony Cox, councillor responsible for transport, said the cars had been introduced in response to residents’ concerns.

He said: “They are intended for use around schools, on cycleways, box junctions, prohibited turns and other areas where inconsiderate and irresponsible motorists create safety issues.

“We hope to deter drivers from anti-social parking and allow the borough’s carriageways to function as highways first and parking resources second.”