June 3, 2016 2.25 pm This story is over 93 months old

Lincolnshire County Council collects over £1m in parking fines

Lincolnshire County Council received over £1 million in on-street parking fines from motorists in the 12 months up to the end of March 2016, increasing by nearly £300k from last year. A report produced on behalf of the county council has revealed that penalty charges totalling £1,122,605 were collected across the county from April 1,…
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincolnshire County Council received over £1 million in on-street parking fines from motorists in the 12 months up to the end of March 2016, increasing by nearly £300k from last year.

A report produced on behalf of the county council has revealed that penalty charges totalling £1,122,605 were collected across the county from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.

The council receives no income for on-street parking, and instead, prefers to provide free limited waiting parking in town centres, which is used to help “support local businesses and services”.

However, when users of on-street parking flout the rules set by the council, enforcement is in place to fine drivers who park longer than permitted.

The report highlighted that the cost of on-street parking enforcement amounted to £849,021 and offset much of the income received.

The council gained a surplus of almost £300k in the last year

The council gained a surplus of almost £300k in the last year

However, a surplus of £293,584 was created in the last year, which the council have said must be ring-fenced and used only for further parking enforcement, supplying parking facilities, or investing in transport and environmental projects.

If the council feels that none of these are required, the funds can be set aside against potential losses for up to five years.

Matt Jones, parking services manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Any surplus arising from on-street parking and enforcement is ring-fenced and can only be used for the provision of the enforcement service, supplying or making good parking facilities, transport projects, environmental projects or if the council feels that none of these are required, the funds can be set aside against potential losses for up to five years.

“Excess income is currently ear marked to help offset the cost of implementing a CCTV mobile enforcement vehicle positioned outside schools. The scheme is likely to be implemented in early 2017.

“Lincolnshire Council Council receives no income from on-stree parking, preferring to provide free limited waiting parking in town centres, helping to support local businesses and services by encouraging more visitors.”