INTERNET search giant Google has moved its controversial Street View cameras onto Wirral streets.

Globe photographer David Gennard spotted one of the company's distinctive vehicles passing through Birkenhead Park this morning.

The black hatchback cars are all fitted with rooftop cameras set into a box that can film 360 degree images.

Onboard computers match all the pictures taken with exact location GPS software, and the results will then be uploaded onto the Street View mainframe.

The aim is to provide a 'living' online map of every major town and city in the UK. Liverpool's map went online last year.

There has been considerable controversy about the website, however.

Although Google pixilates faces of people caught on camera, there have been many images removed from the site after people complained they could still be identified.

Earlier today, Globe Online exclusively revealed how Wirral Council is employing a surveillance car to monitor errant motorists, who then receive fines through the post.

Click on the related link below for more details.