PIPPA the spy car is all set to continue patrolling the streets of Thurrock.

PIPPA, which stands for Park It Properly Prevent Accidents, will be on the road in the borough for the next six months, after its trial period was extended by cabinet members on Wednesday evening.

Councillor Angie Gaywood, public protection portfolio holder, said she thought it was right to ‘put the safety of our school children, pedestrians and other road users before profit.’ She said: “Before the start of the initial trial I made it clear that one of the main purposes of the CCTV car was to tackle the blight of dangerous and inconsiderate parking in Thurrock outside our schools.”

“It was never our intention that PIPPA would create a large revenue surplus and as you can see from the report on purchasing and leasing options there will likely be a shortfall in running costs for either option.

The car travels between the boroughs schools and at other times supports public transport by keeping bus stops clear, checking taxi ranks and tackling congestion by keeping traffic flowing.

Mrs Gaywood added: “PIPPA keeps our roads safe from dangerous parking outside schools, on the school keep clear areas, on dropped kerbs and on pedestrian crossings allowing pedestrians and school children to cross the road safely.”