More Tickets For Illegal Parking

Over 140,000 illegal parkers have received parking tickets since the Department for Regional Development (DRD) became responsible for parking enforcement on 30 October 2006.

Since NCP Services started enforcing restrictions on behalf of DRD 143,564 tickets were given out between 13 November 2006 and 30 September 2007. Also, for two weeks prior to 13 November 5,035 warning notices were issued to illegally parked vehicles. These warning notices formed part of the public awareness campaign to highlight the introduction of the new enforcement operation.

Simon Richardson, DRD's Road Service Parking Enforcement Manager, said: "Illegal parking causes disruption to traffic, and sometimes poses a safety threat to road users. It can also cause major difficulties for blue badge holders and delivery drivers trying to deliver their goods. I would therefore encourage all drivers to be aware of the parking restrictions and abide by them at all times."

Commenting on the fact that the new enforcement operation will be one year old on 30 October, Richardson said: "We want to continue to be open and transparent about all aspects of civil parking enforcement and we will to publish an annual report detailing facts and figures relating to the first year of the Roads Service operation."

(CD)