The leader of the council has been forced to defend ANPR parking following the revelation it will be scrapped next month – however, the camera-operated system could make a comeback.

Last week it was reported in the Bucks Free Press that Wycombe District Council car parks will change over to pay-and-display after the government decided to restrict number plate data held by the DVLA.

The revelation came almost a year after a BFP investigation revealed ticket dodgers could be getting away scot-free, questioning whether the £680,000 system has the capability to fine drivers who leave car parks without paying.

Leader of Wycombe District Council, Katrina Wood, said the council had been working closely with the government over the past year in an attempt to salvage the parking system which has cost the taxpayer at least £1.3 million.

The ANPR system could still make a return to the district, according to Cllr Wood, should the government decide to change its policies on sharing the number plate data – however, a question mark still hangs over why the information was restricted in the first place.

Cllr Wood said: “We have been working with government to try and resolve it. We have been working with them, and have been expecting some changes to come in to force. We have stuck with it because we know it is a really good system.”

 “Waiting has affected the taxpayer but it will affect the taxpayer to revert back. We wanted to stick with it and provide that better service for them.”

Cllr Wood said she is “disappointed” and apologised to the taxpayer, however she insisted there is “no need” for anyone to resign over the fiasco.

Cllr Wood continued: “There is no need for any of us to resign. We have conducted ourselves very properly in the whole matter.

"We have been working very hard to get the best results for everybody in this.

"The length of time we have taken to sort it out just shows we were trying to do the best for residents and provide them with a system that works best for them.

“We are really disappointed that we have had now had to take this decision.”

New parking machines are going to be installed in some car parks to reduce queues and four WDC patrolling officers will be employed to facilitate the change as well as one admin officer.

Cllr Wood added that if the DVLA did decide to change its policy the new pay-and-display would remain in place for at least 12 to 18 months before a decision on any further changes were made.

She also said another overhaul of the system would come at “very little cost” as the ANPR machines will remain in place for pay-and-display.