Concerns raised after One Stop installs new ANPR system in Milton store

A Stoke-on-Trent city councillor has voiced his concerns about new ANPR cameras installed at a local convenience store.

Cllr Dave Evans, who represents Baddeley Green, Milton and Norton said he has received a few messages from residents regarding the automatic numberplate recognition cameras at One Stop in Milton.

Responding to a post on Facebook, residents piled in to share their worries about the technology.

One woman said she was worried about the impact on people visiting the nearby doctors, optician or chemist.

She was concerned that some elderly people may avoid using these services if they have mobility problems and would therefore struggle if they’re forced to park further away.

Others raised concerns about the poor condition of the car park, and about not having seen any notices regarding planning permission for the cameras.

Another local resident was concerned about privacy outside his house, and about what the cameras would be recording.

Cllr Evans said: “I am not sure what consultation has been done with local residents, I have not been consulted in anyway,” adding: “I was aware there was a proposal because residents had contacted me.”

He says he has asked the council to investigate, and report back on what consultation the firm has carried out with its parking department.

Cllr Evans continued: “Although One Stop has every right to put in parking enforcement on its car park, not all of the car park belongs to them.

“The council still owns part of the land and therefore the car park meaning any enforcement scheme would not be applicable in those areas.”

Cllr Evans said he has also asked the council for legal advice regarding the positioning of the cameras and to confirm which areas of the car park are owned by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

It’s believed the company has followed in the footsteps of a nearby Co-op store in placing restrictions on its car parking facilities, in order to make sure there are enough parking spaces for customers to use.

Cllr Evans said: “I am really concerned about the way in which this has been implemented. If anyone has any other details I would really welcome them!”

One Stop has been approached for comment.