by Hayley Robinson

The number of fines given to Swale motorists has almost doubled since a new parking management firm took over.

Figures obtained by the Faversham News show a 48 per cent increase since APCOA took over the contract on July 4, as part of a partnership between Swale Borough Council and Maidstone Borough Council.

From July 4 until September 30 this year, 5,163 penalty charge notices were issued to illegally parked vehicles compared to 2,691 in the same period the previous year.

Digital radios with built-in navigation systems allow a control centre to find a nearby warden and direct them to any problems.

These could also include parking complaints and machine failures.

A team of 10 officers, employed to patrol the streets of Swale, must work a total of 1,251 hours a month between them as part of the contract.

As well as these officers, Swale and Maidstone employ two managers responsible for enforcement and the processing of penalty charge notices, parking permits and appeals.

Under the agreement, Swale is set to save up to £83,000 in staff and management costs.

Cllr John Wright, cabinet member for regeneration, economy, culture, learning and skills, said: "Since APCOA took over they’ve been more diligent in going around.

"I’ve looked at complaints and compliments and I’ve not seen any complaints yet.

"Residents who pay their parking permits were saying that things weren’t being enforced by the traffic wardens.

"Now we’re getting compliments that they’re doing what they should be doing, plus they’re not walking around in pairs.

"I’m not pleased more people are getting fined but if they were doing what they should be doing in the first place they wouldn’t get fined."

Fines are either £70 or £50 depending on the seriousness of the offence, but are halved if paid within 14 days.

Swale spokesman Mark James said: "Fines are set by central government and not the council or a private company, so they remain the same and there are no targets either now or in the future.

"APCOA has nothing to do with the collection of the money.

"It simply provides the officers to patrol the streets and the rest of the office-based duties will be conducted in-house."