Thousands fined by Reading's CCTV patrols

Cars fitted with ANPR CCTV cameras have issued thousands of fines in Reading over a year.

Reading Borough Council uses these patrol cars to enforce parking breaches across the town centre. They are known as 'approved devices' and target drivers stopping where they shouldn't - mainly the council's red route, but also bus stops and outside schools.

In 2024/25 the cars issued 9,792 penalty charge notices (PCNs).

Oxford Road saw the most, with 3,601 PCNs - the only spot with more than 1,000. Friar Street had 933, Blagrave Street 579 and Recreation Road, Tilehurst 200.

That total is 616 fewer than the 10,408 PCNs issued in 2023/24.

Of the 9,792, 9,449 were for stopping on the red route. A further 143 were for parking in bus stops and 200 for parking on 'School: Keep Clear' markings.

All these are classed as "higher-level PCNs" with a £70 fine, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days of receiving a postal notice.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter