Council could issue parking fines

Currently police officers issue parking tickets in North Lanarkshire

A proposal which would see council wardens rather than police officers issue parking fines is being considered by North Lanarkshire council.

The move to decriminalise parking offences would generate thousands of pounds for the local authority and free-up police time.

It has been suggested by the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police and is currently under consideration.

Glasgow and South Lanarkshire already employ their own attendants.

Cash raised

In a report put before North Lanarkshire council's policy and resources committee earlier this week, chief executive, Gavin Whitefield, said: "The Chief Constable has intimated he would like to move to a position whereby all councils seek decriminalisation of parking offences and the force would transfer traffic wardens to council control.

"In decriminalised areas, all remaining proceeds are retained by the council, clearly providing the potential to make an overall surplus."

At the moment 90% of cash collected in fines by the police goes to the Treasury.

If the council takes over the issuing of fines they would retain 96% of the cash raised.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1991, local authorities interested in decriminalising must approach the police for advice and make application to the Scottish Government.