FG calls for an end to ‘draconian’ clamping in city centre
Eight Fine Gael city councillors signed a motion calling on city management to end clamping and overhaul the city’s entire parking enforcement system.
The move was backed by the Cork Business Association (CBA) which described the clamping policy as “draconian”.
Cllr Jerry Buttimer branded the regime a “revenue generating exercise” and said it is damaging city businesses. “There is widespread anger and concern,” he said.
“Motorists are fed up with being hounded for money. The policy is having an effect on traders who are also suffering.”
CBA president Peter O’Donoghue described clamping as an overreaction to certain parking offences.
“We need to come up with a fairer and more consistent system. Our members are not against clamping if there is a clear reason for it,” he said.
“We must strike a balance in the city. We can’t have a regime in place where people are actively discouraged from coming into the city centre because of these draconian measures.”
But city officials defended the policy last night and rejected claims that it is a money spinner.
Clamping generated almost €400,000 for the city last year. But it cost the city €500,000 to operate, a spokesman said.
Clampers have also eased off in the last year, he said.
“People whose parking disc has expired now get an hour’s grace before they are clamped.
“The level of towing and clamping is decreasing and more people comply.”
In Dublin, where traffic wardens are not employed, motorists who park illegally are either towed or clamped.
“In Cork, at least we have the softer option of traffic wardens,” he said.
But Mr Buttimer said the view amongst the public was that Cork city is an unfriendly place to park.
“We need to rectify that image,” he said.
“A distinction should be made between drivers who park on double yellow lines or in on-street parking restricted areas, and those who exceed their ticket time.”
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