Title: Lincolnshire’s Parking Enforcement Facing Financial Challenges
The self-financing operations of parking enforcement in Lincolnshire are under financial review. Matt Jones, the Parking Services Manager, commented that the CCTV cameras that have been mounted outside schools have resulted in over 1,000 penalty charges being issued since May. The schools in the local vicinity have applauded this as it has heightened safety. Despite the positive reviews, the spending of over £160,000 on the installation of these cameras outside 10 schools has sparked a debate regarding the feasibility of the service.
It was disclosed in a recent county council meeting that the operations of the previous year resulted in a £320,000 shortfall which was paid off using reserves. Contrary to some other regions, Lincolnshire’s parking enforcement is solely dependent on fines and income, not receiving any support from the council budget. Jonathan Evans, the Head of Highways, indicated that reserves are currently in the region of £700,000 due to previous surpluses.
The council is now weighing future funding possibilities. This comes in the wake of a trial in Bournemouth where parking fines were raised from £70 to £150. The decision on this could impact whether Lincolnshire councils might seek similar amendments to preserve service levels. According to Mr Evans, decisions regarding potential modifications to the budget or reducing services if lobbying efforts with the government fail will need to be made within the coming year. Conservative Councillor Charlotte Vernon underscored the long-standing unsustainability of the existing model and suggested that adaptations are unavoidable.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
