Wardens subsidy in offing

Taxpayers in Staffordshire may have to subsidise the new decriminalised parking enforcement service after the number of fines issued in Stafford were below predictions.

Staffordshire County Council could have to prop up the service, which is in its second year.

Figures show the number of fines in the first quarter of this financial year are below the forecast amount. It also means there will be no cash for improvements and resident parking schemes, among the benefits promised when the new parking rules came into effect in March 2008.

In April this year 1,558 fines were issued, with 255 cancelled because of mistakes or errors. This meant a total value of £10,170. In May it was £8,185; June – £4,155; and July – £3,940 in income. In total the number of fines issued was six per cent below forecast.

Will Conaghan, spokesman for Stafford Borough Council, said wardens were not target driven, adding: "If there is a shortfall it will be made up by the county council."

Jeremy Herbert, from Staffordshire Highways, said the figures proved the issuing of fines was not a money making scheme.