Motorists count cost of parking

Lancashire Evening Post

Motorists in Wyre have been slapped with parking fines three times as often this year, although the number of fines issued in other areas of Lancashire has reduced.
The number of tickets handed out in the borough by Parkwise during the first half of 2006 was more than triple the amount given out in same period in 2005.
More than double the amount of cash has been collected in fines.
Between January 1 and June 30 this year, Parkwise issued 4,762 £60 tickets to on and off-street parkers, compared to 1,492 during the same period last year.
The total for the whole of 2005 was only 4,842.
A Wyre Council spokesman blamed the rise on the borough's parking enforcement having been "significantly understaffed" before this year.
He added: "We would assure all residents that, despite the rumours, none of the car parking attendants operating in the Wyre area receive commission or any other incentive to drive targets to increase the number of tickets issued in the borough.
"In Lancaster, South Ribble and Chorley, the number of fines dished out has dropped.
In South Ribble in the six-month period from January to June, just 1,919 tickets were issued, compared to 2,150 for the same time last year.
Tony Pimblett, South Ribble Council cabinet member for streetscene services, said: "Hopefully this means fewer drivers are parking illegally on our streets than last year. People who park in accordance with the Highway Code and comply with notices have nothing to fear."
The Evening Post understands the number of fines issued in Preston has dropped by 30%, although figures were not available.
Parkwise