Sandwell Valley drivers hit by parking fines totalling £60,000
Drivers have clocked up more than £60,000 in fines at a Black Country beauty spot, after controversial parking charges were introduced two-and-a-half years ago.
Despite fierce objections from the public, Sandwell Council first brought in the fees at Sandwell Valley Country Park in November 2016.
Motorists who flouted the rules at the West Bromwich site have paid a total of £60,633.29 in fines up to the end of February this year.
Drivers visiting the Sandwell Valley have to pay 40p for an hour and up to £2 for more than four hours. Those who don’t pay face fines of £50.
Council bosses say the charges have improved the parking situation at the beauty spot, and the money raised is used to improve facilities.
In the same period, Sandwell Council has brought in £312,855.15 from the pay and display income at the site. An annual parking permit is available for Sandwell Valley, which costs £40, which works out a less than a pound a week – which has brought in £9,408.00 up to the end of February 2019.
Councillor David Hosell, cabinet member for highways and environment, said: “The use of the parking charges in the Sandwell Valley has greatly improved the parking situation and has helped with accessibility for the thousands of people who visit each year.
“The money we have raised from charges and parking fines is being used to cover the cost for the parking administration and further our efforts to improve the facilities in the Valley.
“These were the aims of the introduction of the charges because the Government cuts mean we need visitors who benefit from the facilities to contribute to the costs.
“It is clear that the great majority of visitors appreciate and respect the parking restrictions, but unfortunately some do not buy a ticket and have to pay fines.
“Regular visitors can get an annual parking permit which is available for £40 which works out at less than a pound a week.”
