A call has been made for a new, more lenient car parking enforcement system to be introduced by Sefton Council following a series of incidents of incorrect fines.
Cllr David Barton, who represents Dukes Ward, said the errors ranged from contractors being given fines despite displaying a ticket to tourists being penalised for paying parking fees using the wrong machine.
Cllr Barton, who is at the forefront of work to improve Southport town centre, said the move would foster goodwill between the Council and contractors, residents and visitors.
He said: “I am calling upon Sefton Council to revise its operations and give motorists a first unofficial warning. At the core of this I am requesting they show more leniency and caution towards motorists that use car parking locations across the borough, ranging from everyday residents and tenants to businesses and contractors.
“A warning system would allow contractors and other people the chance to look for alternative places to park without it affecting the work they are doing to improve the town or their desire to return.
“In addition, I am asking for improved signs, roadway markings and instructions on how to use the parking system so as to prevent any misunderstanding and ill feeling from otherwise avoidable fines.”
Cllr Barton said he had recently been contacted by a local contractor of over 40 years’ experience who received a car parking ticket whilst parked in a time-limited waiting restricted zone whilst undertaking restorative works along a series of Victorian Verandahs along Lord Street.
“It was subsequently proved that he had bought a ticket which had been displayed in the base of the windscreen of his vehicle, a van for loading and transporting his tools, but this had been overlooked by a car parking warden, who had leant over the bonnet and placed a parking ticket higher up on the windscreen.
“The fine was rescinded but having been able to see how this happened for myself on a recent site visit to the town centre I am now calling for all SMBC Parking Wardens to heed greater caution whilst on patrol and wherever possible seek to support motorists especially Contractors who work incredibly hard to support Southport’s infrastructure and in turn the economy for the long- term.
“In other instances I have also acted for contractors who have been fined for parking on badly worn double yellow lines outside their own premises such as Vulcan Street which has caused distress to those concerned.
“Should anyone in Dukes Ward or across Southport have any such locations which they may believe are causing otherwise avoidable parking enforcement I would recommend them to contact me so I may have these locations re-marked at the soonest opportunity available.”
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