Towing and clamping regime ‘being closely examined’ in traffic policy review

THE controversial towing and clamping regime in Cork city is being closely examined as part of a major review of the city’s traffic management policy.

City manager Tim Lucey has accepted that the public perception of the system is a “hindrance” — an admission that has fuelled hopes that the regime may be scrapped altogether.

But he moved to fend off criticism from several city councillors who said the policy is damaging the city’s image, and city centre trade.

“Let’s look at the facts,” Mr Lucey said. “Just 0.0024% of the total traffic movements in the city are clamped.

“While perception is a hindrance, the actual figures are miniscule.

“The rate is extremely low and the policy should not be a factor preventing people from coming in to the city.”

Nevertheless, he confirmed that the contract, which is due for review this year, is being “actively assessed” by city officials as part of a wider review of the city’s entire traffic policy.

The issue was discussed at the last city council meeting this week before the summer break.

Several councillors called for an overhaul of how on-street parking is managed, and for cheaper prices in the city council’s own multi-storey car parks

“Clamping and towing is a deterrent to people coming in to the city centre,” Cllr Sean Martin (FF) said. “We’ve created a €1 million business for a private company. The sooner we get rid of this system, the better.”

He called on officials to consider €1 weekend parking deals in the council-managed North Main Street car park.

Cllr Kieran McCarthy (Ind) said the council should follow the example of Ballincollig traders who have displayed signs on the outskirts of the town advertising its 2,000 free parking spaces. “We need to think outside the box,” he said.

Cllr Catherine Clancy (Labour) said the system portrays a “terrible image”, and the €80 release fee is very harsh, especially at a time when people are strapped for cash.

Several councillors have over the last year suggested parking deals — including a two-hours free on-street parking deal on Saturday mornings — aimed at encouraging people into the city centre. All have been rejected.

The Cork Business Association (CBA) has also written to the lord mayor outlining several ideas including introducing pay and display machines, introducing a three-hour parking disc, and promoting the Park Magic pay-by-phone system.

The CBA said recent surveys show there are some 2,000 less private cars per week parking in the city centre’s eight multi-storey car parks. Chief executive Donal Healy said this could be down to fear of being towed or clamped, or pricing issues.