POLICE are investigating claims parents are sticking tape over their number plates to avoid being snapped by a Thurrock Council CCTV car.

Angie Gaywood, councillor responsible for public protection, said parents were getting “canny” to avoid being caught outside Woodside Primary School, in Grays.

She said: “It is alleged one or two parents parking outside Woodside have resorted to placing tape of some description over their number plates.

“I have reported this to the police to make some enquiries as obviously this is an offence, if found to be true.”

A police spokesman said: “We’ve been made aware of this problem and are investigating. Not displaying a valid number plate is an offence. If anyone has any information on these incidents, please let officers at Grays Police Station know.”

The council launched the car on the borough’s streets in March in a bid to tackle dangerous parking outside schools and improve safety.

During its first month, the camera-equipped car led to 30 penalty charges being served for illegal parking.

It is being used in a trial for six months, but could be continued, if deemed a success.