A£30,000 ‘spy car’ to catch motorists flouting parking rules needs to be justified.

The fact Oxford City Council still says it cannot tell residents just how much these vehicles earn in fines is most disconcerting.

If the powers that be are going to embark on schemes like this, it is vital they measure just how cost-effective they are.

This is especially important when these projects are as controversial as this.

Whether you agree with it or not, this is our money that’s being spent on this car.

When belts are being tightened across Oxfordshire, our leaders must be able to justify their costs – particularly when £4.1m surpluses are being made on car park fees.

If they can spend all this effort ‘spying’ on drivers, then surely they can keep a closer eye on their finances?