Only one in five drivers caught by Colchester’s spy car have been forced to pay up because the software is not up to the job.

The North Essex Parking Partnership, which oversees six councils, launched the Park Safe camera car in January this year.

It was primarily introduced to tackle dangerous parking outside schools.

Figures reveal enforcement action has only been pursued in 17 of the 80 incidents in Colchester.

Twelve fines have been paid and five cases are outstanding.

Robert Mitchell, chairman of the partnership, said the GPS technology initially used to detect an offence is not always accurate.

He said: “When checked, the footage may show the car is parked outside the zig-zags.

“The important thing is humans are looking at it and tickets are not being issued willy-nilly. We know it is controversial, so we are making sure the tickets issued are valid.”

The Park Safe car is operated and funded by a private company, Capita, which takes a share of the proceeds from fines.

Full story in Wednesday's Daily Gazette