MORE than 8,000 parking fines were issued on Cork’s South Mall in three and-a-half-years.

The street remains the city’s parking blackspot with almost double the number of fines of the next highest area. In all, 110,401 parking fines were handed out to motorists in Cork from January 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017, according to records released under the Freedom of Information Act to the Evening Echo.

The figures have led to renewed calls from city councillors and business officials for a drastic rethink of the city’s parking infrastructure, with the current disc system described as ‘archaic.’

Shopping areas rank among the areas most likely to see fines issued. South Mall ranks first by some margin, with Patrick Street (4,375), Grand Parade (2,297) and Cornmarket Street (2,404) all seeing a high number of tickets issued since the start of 2014.

The quays also generate a high number, with Morrison’s Quay (2,665) and Father Mathew Quay (1,649) well up the tables. Wellington Road (1,833), Grattan Street car park (1,448), White Street car park (1,271) and Connaught Avenue/Donovan’s Road (1,090) complete the top 10 areas.

Motorists aren’t taking the fines lying down, though, with almost one-in-10 fines appealed.

Some 9,364 appeals were submitted in response to fines, though just 1,975 of these were successful in having their fine overturned.