Fewer motorists hit with parking tickets

FIFE: Council report shows total number of region’s drivers receiving penalty charge notices has decreased

Fewer Fife motorists saw parking fines slapped on their windscreens last year than in previous periods, although they still netted just over £600,000 for the council.

The figures have emerged in a report to the region’s economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation committee, which gave an overview of how decriminalised parking enforcement is working in the kingdom.

Since April 2013, Fife Council has been responsible for enforcing the majority of on and off-street parking and waiting regulations after taking over the role from police officers.

The number of valid penalty charge notices (PCNs) had been increasing in recent years but 2018/19’s figures have revealed there were 21,600 enforced last year – a fall of 190 on the 21,790 recorded in 2017/18.

Failure to display a ticket, overstaying parking times and parking in a “no waiting” area were the most common reasons for punishment, although other misdemeanours included parking without blue badges, parking in a taxi rank or electric vehicle bay, and failing to properly park vehicles within a designated parking bay.

Derek Crowe, senior manager for roads and transportation, praised the work of the region’s 19 parking attendants and he also maintained they do not have targets to achieve, describing that as a “common misconception”.

He said: “It would be appropriate to note the professional role and integrity of the whole parking team in dealing with upset individuals on site and through often very difficult telephone calls and complex and demanding correspondence.

“In the face of such challenging behaviour, the team has remained resilient and maintains a fair and consistent approach to all of its customers.

“Whilst the use of body CCTV units – as well as the use of conflict management techniques – helps to reduce incidences of antisocial behaviour directed towards parking attendants, this does still happen.

“The council adopts a zero-tolerance policy in terms of any abuse of our staff and all incidents are recorded and investigated and reported to the police where appropriate.”

Kirkcaldy, St Andrews, Dunfermline and Inverkeithing saw the most charges issued, with Leuchars, Cupar, Cowdenbeath, Burntisland, Leven and Markinch making up the top 10.

Kinglassie, Colinsburgh, Freuchie, Limekilns, Coaltown of Wemyss, Methilhill, Kingseat, Crosshill and Milton of Balgonie avoided parking tickets altogether.

The report revealed there were more informal appeals to the council received and accepted last year than previously, with 2,068 challenges approved out of the 4,748 received.

That compares to the 1,913 accepted out of 4,471 in 2017/18.

The number of formal representations received fell from 2,177 to just 877, 89 of which were accepted.

“It would be appropriate to note the professional role and integrity of the whole parking team in dealing with upset individuals on site. DEREK CROWE, SENIOR MANAGER FOR ROADS AND TRANSPORTATION