A total of 670 drivers were stung with parking fines in the first eight days of new on-street parking charges in Walsall, it was revealed today.

An average of 83 drivers every day are being caught out by the controversial new charges which have virtually eliminated free parking in the town centre.

The 20p per 10 minute fee is in force on 310 parking spaces in 19 town centre streets, including Hatherton Street, Station Street and Lichfield Street.

And within eight days of their introduction on March 7, the charges have already boosted council coffers by £3,500.

This would rise by a further £33,500 if all fines are paid at a £50 rate.

The council’s traffic wardens have been patrolling the area and handing out fines to those who have stayed longer than they have paid for or forgotten to buy a ticket.

Council chiefs today defended the charges and said the move had “given parking spaces back to shoppers”.

Transport chief Tom Ansell said: “Before this change came into force parking bays across Walsall town centre were blocked by the same people all day.

“This has now given back the spaces to shoppers and disabled people who are looking to make a quick visit to a shop.”

He added: “We expect these figures to drop markedly as people get used to the changes. We do invite people to appeal if they feel they’ve been given a ticket unjustly.”

Cash-strapped Walsall Council is battling to save £65 million over the next three years and believes the charges will generate £100,000 a year. They say the money will be used to fund the cost of the scheme including maintaining 32 ticket machines.

But Labour councillor for Pleck Dennis Anson said he feared people who received tickets may be put off returning to the town.