ANPR cameras will be installed at the Stevenage Swimming Pool car park in St George’s Way after council planners gave the green light last night.

The two ParkingEye cameras, which replace a chip coin barrier system, will automatically read the number plates of cars entering and leaving, with tickets sent out by post to those who fail to register for the free parking at reception, or stay too long.

The system will check the vehicle’s licence plate number and send the ticket to its keeper as registered with the DVLA.

Mark Ryan, objecting to the proposal, said: “The private parking companies issue charges for very minor mistakes. £80 is a lot of money out of a weekly pension or for a hard-up family if, for example, they type their licence plate number in wrong when they pay. It could mean they do not eat or heat.”

A Stevenage Leisure spokesman countered: “Up to 40 per cent of the car park is misused. Teachers trying to drop children off for swimming lessons can’t do so because of double parking.

“We can overrule missed fines and such if there’s a mistake or extenuating circumstances.

“In a nutshell this will give the car park back to users of the pool so they can use it when they want to.”

Before the vote, Councillor John Lloyd said: “I’m sick of people parking there and then running across the road. It’s dangerous. I see no reason why anybody should not support this application.”

Stevenage Borough Council’s planning committee approved the cameras unanimously.