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Local authorities cashing in with CCTV fines

Councils are turning to CCTV cameras and spy cars to raise £312m in revenue, that’s according to Traffic Spies, a report published by civil liberties group, Big Brother Watch. Using a series of freedom of information requests, the group has discovered that many councils are continuing to use CCTV to hand out fines, despite the government’s Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, which highlights the need to use CCTV for traffic offences “sparingly”. Council parking ’spy car’ gets speeding ticket Cameras to catch illegal parking on the school run Yet despite this, the number of CCTV cars in operation has increased by 87% since 2009.

Car of the Year shortlist revealed

Shortlist for Car of the Year 2009 is announced today By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 02 October 2008 00:27 The European Car of the Year shortlist is announced today – and it looks like being a close-run battle this year. Take a look at the contenders below and have your say who should win by clicking 'Add your comment' at the foot of the story: Alfa Romeo MitoCitroen C5Ford FiestaOpel/Vauxhall InsigniaRenault MeganeSkoda SuperbVW GolfThat means that numerous contenders have fallen by the wayside; BMW's new 7-series, the Ford Kuga, Jaguar XF and VW Scirocco were deemed unworthy by the jury of top-flight journos from around Europe.And this year, CAR has its jury place back – editor Phil McNamara is now one of the UK's handful of judges for Car of the Year.

BMW's new X3 overcomes Germany's cupholder disconnect

BMW of North America was eager to improve several parts of the X3 Sports Activity Vehicle for the new generation that goes on sale in January. Not least of those improvements were the cupholders. Old X3: Bad cupholders.