Parking wardens set to bring in £65,000

The two parking wardens in South Staffordshire are due to bring in almost £65,000 in fines between them this year.

The amount collected from parking penalties around the district was £29,000 in 2009. For years, one traffic warden patrolled the streets but last April a second was taken on.

Council bosses now expect to bring in £64,500 in fines both this year and next. Spokesman Jamie Angus said: "The figures were expected to rise because as of April last year, we took on an extra enforcement officer."

The local authority said that once costs have been recovered, it used the money collected through the penalty charge notices for transport schemes and road safety projects.

As drivers in South Staffordshire do not have to pay for parking, apart from at Baggeridge Country Park, the two enforcement officers mainly police illegal parking on double yellow lines.

Councillor Joan Williams, environmental services boss, said: "Yellow lines are always there for a reason.

"Parking on them is often dangerous and can, for example, prevent emergency services from carrying out their duties effectively.

"Inconsiderate parking can also block the way for disabled people and parents with buggies."

In 2009-10, the income from fines was £29,000 rising to £31,200 in 2010-11. For 2011-12 and 2012-13 the amount is expected to be £64,500.

The council's parking department also receives £5,000 from Section 106 agreements every year. The deals see developers agree to pay for improvements in the area.

Parking charges at Baggeride Country Park near Sedgley were recently increased to £1.50 for an hour or £2.50 for a day. Council bosses defended their decision to hike charges and blamed the rises on "tough times".