Drivers are paying the price for bad parking

Council rakes in nearly £50k from penalty charges

Parking wardens dished out 1,556 tickets in Renfrewshire in just three months.

Renfrewshire Council raked in almost £50,000 in fees after drivers were rapped.

It handed out an average of 16 fixed penalty notices every day in the weeks leading up to autumn.

Renfrewshire Council says adequate parking is provided and insist drivers ignoring road markings or refusing to pay will be dealt with.

A spokeswoman said: “We are very aware how important parking is to people living, working and visiting Paisley.

“The safety of pedestrians, motorists and local residents is paramount.

“Alongside enforcement, Council traffic wardens throughout Renfrewshire work with the police to highlight engine idling and inconsiderate parking.

“Free parking is provided in metered bays on Saturdays and Sundays and any parking charge surplus is re- invested in Renfrewshire’s transport infrastructure.”

Motorists have been hammered in Paisley’s Stow Street more than anywhere else.

A large council-run car park is found on the road just off one of the town’s main shopping areas.

Council chiefs revealed the figures for the three months until September.

They say £47,246 was coined in during the period, but say this pot could include penalties issued before July.

Earlier this year, drivers hit with tickets for overstaying at a supermarket carpark were handed a reprieve.

Fireman Alan Johnstone, 50, told how he had a charge overturned after stopping at Aldi in Renfrew because the shop did not have permission to mount CCTV monitoring motors.

The firm had used footage to force visitors to cough- up – but had not secured planning permission to erect a pole for the camera.

Consumer group Know Your Parking Rights says those who feel they have been punished unfairly with any ticket should appeal, but insists restrictions are necessary.

A spokesman said: “Parking professionals up and down the country are keeping our streets safe, free from obstruction caused by indiscriminately parked cars.

“They improve road safety, keep children safe when they come out of school, and enable servicing and deliveries to take place.

“They also protect spaces for residents or people with disabilities, on high streets, town centres and leisure centres, which would become congested and inaccessible if parking wasn’t managed.

“Good regulations and sensible management can help revitalise the high street and support local residents, motorists, and businesses more widely.”

The safety of local residents is paramount