November 27, 2012 12.30 pm This story is over 144 months old

Parking fines ‘last resort’ at Lincoln Christmas Market, as almost 800 warnings given in a week

Parking patrol: The 20 new parking wardens in Lincolnshire have issues a total of 775 warning notices in one week.

The 20 new parking wardens in Lincolnshire have issued a total of 775 warning notices in one week since the County Council took over parking enforcement.

The blue warning notices follow a two-week period of grace that started on November 19, with parking fines being issued from December 3.

The Lincoln Christmas Market takes place from December 6 to 9, and more than 250,000 visitors are expected to come to the city during this period.

It’s one of the city’s busiest events and the parking wardens will be issuing fines for inconsiderate parking, between £50 and £70, reduced by half if paid within 14 days.

But the County Council said fines will be a last resort, as the parking enforcement officers will also take a pro-active approach to directing motorists to car parks, explaining the diversions and also what the temporary parking restrictions mean.

Parking Services Manager, Mick Phoenix, said: “Starting new jobs as parking enforcement officers during the busy Christmas Market is a great opportunity to contribute towards the smooth running of such an important event for the city.

“They will work closely with police and City of Lincoln Council colleagues to keep traffic and pedestrians moving through the city. The officers will take a sensible approach to parking issues, with enforcement always being a last resort.”

Advance warning signs are being put up this week, along with signage during the event showing closures and restrictions.

Details of the temporary parking restrictions in place for the Christmas Market will be announced soon.