SCAREMONGERING about the Council's traffic offence enforcement plans by the former traffic enforcer, Councillor Brown, (Wembley Observer Letters, July 15), should be seen for what it is.

It was the last Con-Dem Executive that agreed these plans way back in March 2009, almost word for word.

With the election coming, they delayed its introduction in case it cost them votes.

What's it about? Some time ago, the police all over London decided that they will no longer enforce minor criminal traffic offences. About 22 London councils, including Brent, with Mr Brown in charge, decided that these offences were serious enough to take over the task.

We are talking about things like motorists ignoring 'No Turning' signs or signs preventing them entering pedestrian zones and so on, stuff most careful road users do anyway.

Is that a bad thing? On taking control of the council, we decided that it's the right thing to do even though it was the Lib Dems' idea. As they had agreed the plans, we thought they would not be so brazen as to do this U-turn.

Yes, when the scheme comes in next January, it will cause some pain for those who ignore traffic directions. But we are determined to introduce it in a fair way for usually law-abiding motorists.

The council will site each camera only where there is a verified record of serious and persistent offences.

It will first give a period of warning so that motorists are aware of the cameras and penalties.

It will also review the operation of the scheme after six and 12 months to ensure that it is working fairly and effectively.

This is not a 'money-spinner', and will only just pay for the equipment etc over the next five years.

If there's any surplus from fines after that, it will go straight into the fund to pay for road and pavement repairs or traffic schemes.

I hope this reassurance dispels the false impression created by Mr Brown.

COUNCILLOR JIM MOHER Labour, Lead Member for Highways & Transportation