Moray Council reports a 37% increase in parking fines amid falling car park usage.
Topics covered
In a surprising turn of events, parking fines in Elgin have skyrocketed by 37% in 2024, generating over £20,000 more than the previous year. This increase comes despite a notable drop in the number of drivers utilizing the town’s pay and display car parks, which fell by 20% in the first nine months of the year.
The Moray Council has reported a total of 1,787 tickets issued, marking an increase of 483 fines compared to 2023.
Record fines amid reduced car park usage
The Batchen Lane multi-storey car park has seen the most significant rise in fines, with the current total exceeding five times that of the previous year.
This surge raises questions about the enforcement strategies employed by the Moray Council, as officials express confusion over the substantial increase in fines despite fewer vehicles occupying the spaces. The council has reiterated the importance of parking courteously, urging motorists to adhere to regulations to avoid penalties.
Changes in parking regulations and infrastructure
Last year, the Press and Journal highlighted the scale of fines issued in Moray Council’s staff car parks, which are primarily reserved for local authority employees during weekdays but open to the public on weekends. In 2023, a total of 272 fines were issued across the HQ Annexe and Greyfriars Street car parks, a figure that has dramatically increased this year. The council has emphasized that staff are informed about the pay and display charges and that the fines correlate with the income generated from these facilities.
Community concerns and future plans
Parking complaints have consistently topped the list of concerns for the Elgin Community Council. Chairman Alastair Kennedy noted that residents often express frustration over the necessity to pay for parking in Elgin, contrasting it with other areas in Moray. He stated, “If you don’t follow the rules and you get fined, then I suppose you have to accept that.” However, he acknowledged the grievances surrounding the parking fees.
In response to ongoing parking issues, Moray Council is planning a revamp of on-street parking in Elgin. This includes the removal of certain footpath sections near Poundland to create additional spaces for disabled motorists, as well as the installation of rising and falling bollards on Thunderton Place to enforce access restrictions. These changes aim to address community concerns while improving parking accessibility.
As the Moray Council continues to navigate the complexities of parking management in Elgin, the significant rise in fines amidst declining usage raises important questions about the effectiveness of current policies and the need for ongoing community engagement.
