CAMERAS that snared hundreds of Feltham residents for parking offences will undergo an "extensive publicity" campaign before they are brought back into operation.
CCTV cameras in the borough were suspended on June 15 after residents complained there was no warning they would be used to issue parking tickets.
At a meeting of the Hounslow Council executive on Tuesday evening, members resolved to start an information campaign including additional signage, leaflet drops and advertising before they are to be turned on again.
The Hounslow Chronicle has published extensive coverage about reaction to the cameras in Gould Road, Swan Road and Staines Road among other locations, where some motorists were issued several tickets over just a few days.
Not all members were satisfied with the way the cameras were being used.
Cllr Sachin Gupta said: "They were used for money making but not for road safety regulations. I think there is a genuine concern among many members that the powers of the council have been used for money making through unnecessary restrictions."
Cllr Ruth Cadbury, said: "Can we be assured that should any more CCTV cameras be considered for parking enforcement, there should be a consultation with immediate residents and business owners."
A number of motorists won appeals when they contested fines through the Parking and Traffic Appeals Services.
Kevin Adcock, 43, of Pope Close, was told the council had not given enough notice when he was refunded his fines. The adjudicator handling the case said: "The council should consider its position in the case of any outstanding PCN's at this location."
The recommendation approved by councillors at the meeting states that the cameras will be used again after the installation of improved signage. A date has not been announced.
Frederick Webb, 74, of Marriott Close is still not happy with the outcome of the meeting. He has received £250 worth of tickets for parking on Staines Road.
The pensioner said: "There wasn't enough information, people didn't know. This is going to have a bad effect on the local shops. They have lost me and I have been using the Bedfont shops for 44 years."
Speaking to The Chronicle after the meeting, Cllr Ed Mayne, lead member for community safety and enforcement, said: "This report seeks to address the large number of complaints we have received from local residents and businesses regarding the use of CCTV for parking enforcement. There will now be a site by site review of each camera location, improved signage and measures to provide better information about the council's use of CCTV.
"The new Labour administration hopes to clear up the mess left by the previous Conservative-Isleworth Community Group coalition who installed these parking enforcement cameras without consulting local residents and businesses properly."
