Parking fine fears as firm takes charge

MOTORISTS face more fines when a private firm starts blitzing streets and car parks in the Moorlands.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, which has struggled to retain its six-strong team of traffic wardens, is to contract the service out in the summer.

The move has sparked fears the enforcement drive could push people away from Leek, Cheadle and Biddulph.

A total of 1,912 tickets were issued in October, November and December last year

But Councillor Stephen Ellis conceded the figure could rise.

The portfolio holder for planning and development pledged any surplus income would be used to improve highways and parking.

Mr Ellis said: "Difficulty in recruiting and retaining staff has led to operating losses that the taxpayer cannot be expected to sustain long-term.

"That is why we are intending to outsource the service to a firm with expertise and huge experience in parking enforcement."

Families fined for parking in restricted areas outside their homes now fear they will get even more tickets.

Businessman Anthony Beetham, who lives in Ford Street, Leek, has racked up a bill for £1,500 for parking fines since 2007.

Disabled Mr Beetham, who runs a computer business in Bath Street, Leek, said: "People will be put off coming into town. Customers used to be able to pull up outside and pop-in, but they dare not do that now because of the traffic wardens."

Existing staff will transfer to the new company.