MORE than 100 vehicles a week have been collared for parking infringements on the streets of Waverley since the new breed of traffic warden was introduced in the spring. Figures issued last week by Waverley Council, which administers the system through contractors NCP on behalf of Surrey County Council, showed 3,861 penalty charges and warning notices issued since April. Income collected on behalf of Surrey County Council since May 1 totalled £102,255, which funds the provision of the enforcement service and is not expected to produce a surplus this year. Of those ticketed on-street, 17 per cent challenged the penalty and 65 per cent of challenges succeeded. Next year the system is set to become more complicated, with government-directed changes that mean motorists will be fined according to the seriousness of the offence. The current penalty, in operation since 2000, is £60 for all infringements, reduced by 50 per cent for early payment. From March 31 for minor offences, such as parking for longer than permitted, the fine will be lowered to £50. However, drivers who park illegally and cause congestion or who create a hazard, such as parking on a double yellow line, will have to pay £70, as the county council aims to help law-abiding drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, the emergency services and bus passengers. The higher level of penalty charge will apply to restricted areas or residents/shared use parking places where drivers fail to display either a permit, voucher or pay and display ticket.
