The problem of parents and carers parking around schools to drop off and pick up their children has long been an issue for motorists and pedestrians in the Bradford district.

And anything that might encourage more considerate parking and even lead to fewer parents to use their cars where possible should be broadly welcomed.

However, questions must be asked about the value of the CCTV ‘spy car’, which cost £50,000 and was launched with much fanfare this year, but which had to be quickly withdrawn after an issue with its technology.

The problem meant that innocent motorists could have been hit by a fixed penalty, and all the penalties issued by the Council on the basis of the car’s evidence had to be refunded.

That in itself was embarrassing enough, but the fact that only five fines were issued in the admittedly relatively short period it was working raises even more questions.

The cost of the repairs and the refunded fines is rightly being covered by the supplier of the car, but it is understandable that there are concerns about the viability of the scheme.

The idea of this car was welcomed by the Telegraph & Argus upon its launch, but that was on the basis that it would have a significant impact on this issue, which has blighted the streets round our schools for so long.

If only five fines were issued in the month or so it was actually being used, and at least some of them appear to have been erroneous, its value has to be questioned.

If it is now back in use, the Council must provide the earliest possible update on its success, or otherwise, in terms of tackling the problem and issuing notices to those motorists who persistently offend and let us all see whether it is providing value for money.