THURROCK Council’s Labour cabinet has agreed to look into options for a CCTV car to patrol the borough.

The Gazette this week that the council was considering launching a car to target motorists breaking parking contraventions, as well as people who fly-tip and litter.

Cllr Val Morris-Cook, the cabinet member for environment, said: “We all know about the problems thoughtless drivers cause when they park their vehicles stupidly and this is something other councils have done successfully.

“Previously in my portfolio of environment I know the frustrations local people have had about those who dump rubbish at the side of the road, or simply drop litter from their cars and lorries.

“I also know the difficulties there are in trying to catch these individuals. We all been driving along alone and seen something thrown, but what can you do?

“I will want this vehicle to be out and about helping us to stamp out this awful nuisance which spoils our borough.”

Cllr Morris-Cook insisted the decision to launch the car, which a council report revealed was likely to bring in “a revenue return of twice the operating cost” wasn’t about making money.

She said: “This isn’t about saving — or making — money as some would suggest. The primary aim behind this move is to improve things for people here.

“We want a borough that is well behaved and looking good; somewhere people can be proud of although I must say it is looking tidier today.

“If this CCTV car can stop people being stupid — whether it is dumping rubbish or parking brainlessly to ruin someone’s day — that has to be a good idea.”