Bexley issue ZERO pcn's via camera cars.

[peperami gsxr]

Back in Febuary at a Tea Run it was said that some had not seen Bexley's camera cars on the street. Over the next few weeks we found that Bexley had its cars locked away or when one car was out and about it had it camera covered up. NSL was not too helpful with giving information, but it was said from one person at NSL that Bexley's Tec Construction File (TCF) was with the VCA, I never push with more questions, as they clearly never wanted to say too much, and would not link the cameras being covered and cars off the road with the VCA having the TCF.

This was about the time that a formal objection had been raised concerning the $cars with the District Audit Commision, so we cant be sure the two are linked.

Anyway, a FOI was sent asking how many PCN's had been issued, and the answer has just come back. This does raise a more questions and answers.

The FOI covered the dates 1st Jan- 23rd March 2012. FOI attached.

Take note, from the 1st jan to 23rd March bexley's cars gave out 1155 pcn's in total.

Then from the 4th of Feb to the 23rd of March only 215 where issued, which will mean most of the PCN's (940) got issued over about 4 weeks from 1st Jan to the 4th Feb.

So it seems all was fine during the week 4th Feb to the 10th Feb with 134 PCN's issued, of which 22 for outside schools.

Then from the 11th Feb to the 17th Feb PCN's issued ZERO ($CHUNTING from a distance maybe  )

Then in the following weeks they just issued a few PCN's for stopping outside schools only.

And on the 14th March they start issuing PCN's away from schools (only 2) and then the trend continues in low numbers upto the 23rd of March (end of FOI).

So what was/is going on. 

Also take a peek at Bonkers blog on the subject, with some interesting links (in red)   

(3rd May, part 3...Not Strictly Legal)

http://www.bexley-is-bonkers.co.uk/blogs/2012/may.shtml

[peperami gsxr]

One of Bexleys $cars with Camera covered back in Feb/March.

(Thanks to NS Martin for the pic)

[peperami gsxr]

And a couple of pic's showing Bexley's Pen on 2 busy Saturdays covered by the FOI.

[Nigel W]

All very interesting.

We know (Pep and I) from our meeting with Tina that Bexley are not at all happy with their certificate. Bexley's certificate names no cameras whatsoever and no system devices either.

Tina informed us of the reason she has not asked the VCA to supply a certificate that is the same as the vast majority of other certificates issued by the VCA.  This was because if she did so it would be an admission of the fact that the certificate that she currently holds is worthless. She is therefore firmly wedged between a rock and a hard place.

It is suspected that the non-use of the vehicles is due to 'damage limitation.' There is no point in issuing any PCN's if you are going to be forced to refund them all.

 

[DastardlyDick]

I assume that NSL will not be charging Bexley Council for the use of the $cars while they are off the road?

[Nigel W]

NSL have a habit of charging for things that they should not charge for. They also overcharge as well. Therefore they will still be charging for the contract.

[DastardlyDick]

I know they do Nigel - I was attempting sarcasm 

[Bonkers]

Bexley's contract with NSL is such that if more than 150 PCNs a month are successfully appealed, NSL has to reimburse Bexley the full cost of the fine.

Presumably this means that if Bexley was ever forced to refund all their illegal fines it is NSL who would pick up the bill.

http://www.bexley-is-bonkers.co.uk/blogs/2012/april.shtml#penalties refers.

[Nigel W]

Bonkers

Bexley are responsible for the certification of their devices. If it is determined that their certification is wanting it would be Bexley that are responsible for any refunds.  I doubt if NSL would reimburse them in that event.

This is despite NSL's then director of communications Tim Cowan wrongly informing me:

"Please be assured that NSL’s policy is to always ensure we have the appropriate approvals and certifications in place wherever we deliver services."

See: http://notomob.co.uk/discussions/index.php/topic,916.msg7945.html#msg7945