MORE than 1,800 motorists have been slapped with fines by Redbridge Council in the first month of it using new CCTV enforcement powers, the Guardian can reveal.

Ever since July 1 the authority has had the power to use cameras to catch drivers flouting both parking and moving traffic offences.

The revelation comes in the wake of a campaign by traders in George Lane, South Woodford, who have launched a petition pleading to the council not to use new CCTV cameras to penalise drivers parking in the busy shopping street.

Businesses claim potential customers will be put-off by the new cameras.

The moving traffic rules, including those designed to ensure motorists obey one-way street signs, yellow-box junctions and no stopping zones outside schools, had previously been enforced by the police.

However the authority has admitted its reliance on CCTV means it cannot uphold many of the new regulations, such as 'access only' signs.

Some residents are so infuriated by the "free-for-all" allowed for some motorists that they are considering taking the council to court.

Eddie Blackwell, of the Firs Estate in South Woodford, said: "We're going to have to take them to court because it looks like it's the only way our demands will ever be met.

"This is a safety issue which they are neglecting."

Frank Cruder, of Chelmsford and Derby Road Neighbourhood Watch, said the 'access only' signs in his district had been rendered "useless" by the council's lack of enforcement.

He said: "We have so many rat-runner here it's a nightmare.

"Only last week we had a big problem with lorries working on the rebuild for Churchfields. We only got them to stop when a councillor got involved and spoke to the site manager.

"At the end of the way what's the point in having the signs there if they're not being enforced?"

A council spokeswoman said: "The enforcement of 'access only' restrictions requires that the offending vehicle be observed throughout its journey through the area covered by the sign and this is not possible with the camera resources currently available."

While fixed cameras have been enforcing the regulations, the council is yet to deploy its mobile 'spy' CCTV car.

The spokeswoman added it will be out on the streets "as soon as possible" once the relevant paperwork and staff training for the car is complete.