The number of parking fines issued to drivers in ABC Council owned car parks has increased by 20% in 12 months.
According to the new figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council issued 640 more parking fines between 2023-2024, compared to 2022-23
Between April 2022 and March 2023, 3,182 penalty charge notices were issued by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.
In comparison, between April 2023 and March 2024, this number increased to 3,822 penalty charge notices, marking a 20.1% increase year-on-year.
On average, 10 fines were issued per day between April 2023 to the end of March 2024, compared to nine per day during the previous 12 months.
The surge in fines has also led to a significant increase in revenue for the council:
From April 2022 to the end of March 2023, parking fines generated £124,729.00 for the Council.
In the following year (April 2023 to March 2024), this figure soared to £148,416.00, representing a 19.0% increase from parking fines.
The Magowan Buildings emerged as the Armaugh City, Banbridge and Craigavon location with the highest number of fines between 2023-24, with 867 reported.
In the previous reporting period it was also Magowan Buildings that held the top spot, with 635 fines issued between April 2022 and March 2023.
Here are the worst offending car parks – ranked – in the ABC area between April 2023 to March 2024:
Magowan Buildings, Portadown 867
Commercial Road, Banbridge 507
Castle Lane, Lurgan 366
Linenhall Street, Armagh 273
Downshire Place, Banbridge 251
Dobbin Street, Armagh 229
Friary Road, Armagh 221
Lonsdale Road, Armagh 217
Meadow Lane West, Portadown 207
William Street, Lurgan 179
Townsend Street, Banbridge 133
Bridge Street East, Banbridge 103
Marley Street, Portadown 95
Millennium Way, Lurgan 92
West Street, Portadown 82
The new data was analysed by online used car retailer cinch
