CASH-STRAPPED council chiefs at Allerdale have netted more than £40,000 from parking fines in just six months after stepping up enforcement patrols.
The 150 per cent increase in the number of penalty notices issued follows the introduction of a new working rota which sees traffic wardens patrolling the streets up to 8pm at night.
When the actual amount paid by drivers is accounted for, the increase in income from fines is around £27,000.
Between April and September 2017, the council’s income penalty notices was £16,368, but for the same period this year it was £43,498.
A council spokeswoman said: “The council recently implemented a new working rota for its parking enforcement officers, increasing the hours that all council-owned car parks are patrolled to ensure greater enforcement.
“The aim is to not only ensure that the parking fees are observed but also that there is a turnaround of spaces at busy times, and to be fair on everyone using our car parks especially those who have paid.”
Meanwhile, a recent review of the car parks in Workington owned by the council has also identified several free “fringe” cark parks that will become pay and display as part of the overhaul.
The review identified that disc parking at New South Watt and Peter Street car parks should change to low rate, long stay parking to “help control traffic flow”.
Fearon Place is currently used for reserved parking only, but this will change to a short stay pay and display car park with close access to the town centre, although all current reserved spaces will remain.
The review has also shown a need for improved parking for disabled users in line with national legislation.
This means that a number of additional disabled parking bays will be installed at Central, New South Watt, Peter Street and Fearon Place.
The number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued between April and September 2018 and the same period in the previous year:
Apr-Sept 2018 – 1,954
Apr-Sept 2017 – 781
To determine any increase in income from this increase in PCNs, the council need to take into account the number of PCNs cancelled due to appeals and any that are still outstanding.
The net amount of PCNs for each year is:
Apr-Sept 2018 – 1,546
Apr-Sept 2017 – 534
Apr-Sept 2018 – £43,498
Apr-Sept 2017 – £16,368