Car camera catches 5,000 parking illegally in Swansea

Image caption, Some parking patrols in Swansea are made using a camera mounted on a vehicle

More than 5,000 people have been fined for parking in bus stops, loading bays and on zigzags outside schools in Swansea since the start of the year.

The 拢70 fines could have raised in excess of 拢350,000 for cash-strapped Swansea council but it may receive just half because of early repayments.

Other areas where people have been caught include pedestrian crossings.

The council has used a mobile camera to catch offenders, with 2,849 caught in a bus stop up to 6 July.

Mark Thomas, cabinet member for transportation, said: "The vehicle was launched as a direct result of regular complaints to us about bus stops being obstructed by cars that are illegally parked, especially on main bus routes leaving the city centre.

"Our advice to motorists is - make sure you park somewhere safe and legal and you will not get a ticket."