Cork city parking fines increase by a third

THE amount of parking fines being issued in Cork city has risen by more than a third, according to the latest figures.

Last year, more than 37,313 such fines were issued, compared to 27,239 the previous year – an increase of 37%.

The most common offence has consistently been that of a failure to display a valid parking disc.

Last year, more than 13,000 fines were handed out to motorists for this offence.

The figures were presented this week at the city's Joint Policing Committee.

A number of councillors have called for a change to the current system of pay parking in the city, saying that tourists, in particular, are unaware as to where they can even purchase tax discs.

They said that in the area where most parking fines are handed out – the South Mall – there is only one shop that sells parking discs.

“If I park on the South Mall, realistically I have to look around to find somewhere that sells parking discs. And what I'm afraid of is that some people are visiting our city, can't find where to buy one, and say they will chance it,” said Cllr Henry Cremin.

“And I think there's only one place you can buy a parking disc on the whole South Mall.” Cllr Jerry Buttimer said he “would like to see some consideration on a pilot scheme” where people can pay for parking online.

The second most common offence that motorists in Cork city are getting fined for is a failure to display a tax disc. Some 7,713 fines were handed out for such breeches last year.

This is followed by motorists parking in a loading bay – 3,026 incidents last year – and by motorists parking on double yellow lines – 1,959 incidents.

More than 2,000 fines were handed out for motorists parking under a no parking sign.

Most fines were issued on South Mall (2,376), followed by Patrick Street (1,487), Morrison's Quay (854), Grand Parade (780), and Cornmarket Street (756).