Parking revenue failing to reach predicted level

ANGUS Council is staring into a deepening black hole of lost revenue from its unpopular offstreet parking charges.

It is pinning its hopes on an influx of tourists and visitors over the coming months to bring cash flow back on course to meet its projected £700,000 full year’s income.

Figures released for the first quarter reveal a month-on-month decrease in the uptake of six-month permits.

Overall, the net income generated from permits, tickets and fines totalled £120,659 in the first three months, with the local authority facing a large shortfall if motorists continue to shun the charges.

In the first month since charges were introduced on November 1, the local authority banked £79,297 net income. and annual

That slumped to £22,503 during the second month and £18,859 last month.

Only one annual permit was purchased between December 27 to January 23, one less than the previous month, with 98 bought in the first month bringing in a net income of £21,768 during the first quarter.

There was a drop in six-month permits purchased – from 324 in the first month to 18 in the second and 13 last month – bringing in £38,205 overall.

A council spokesman said income has been influenced by various factors.

He said: “With additional payment options and positive seasonal effects from tourists and visitors from Easter through the summer months, we look forward to seeing the income grow to contribute to protecting vital services in Angus communities.”