Pay less on the day plan

5:32pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

A PROPOSAL for local motorists to pay a reduced fine if they overstay on council car parks and pay on the day was considered at a recent council meeting.

The motion, which was put forward by councillor Chris McDonald (Lab-Charford), would give town residents the chance to pay a reduced fine of £10 for overstaying their time and pay within one working day, then £30 and £60 fines would follow.

Cllr McDonald said the parking fines currently in place were extortionate, adding "honest and hard working motorists" were being made into criminals, especially as some may have a good reason for returning late. She said: "I feel the council are being hostile and unfriendly towards motorists."

Cllr Margaret Sherry (Cons-Furlongs), as the then portfolio holder for car parks, street scene and waste management services, said there was often a short period of grace for motorists as it took time for wardens to monitor vehicles, and a reduced fines system had previously been abused'.in place in 2006, which motorists took advantage of.

Officers will now prepare a report on the proposal, which will be considered at the next meeting of the cabinet on June 4.

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