Parking to get ‘more people-friendly’

A MORE “people-friendly” parking system will be introduced in Cork city within weeks, after the City Council decided not to renew its costly towing and clamping contract with a private company.

City manager Tim Lucey confirmed last night that the council will not retain the parking enforcement services of APCOA Parking Ireland Ltd when its lucrative €3 million three-year deal expires on January 4.

But he moved to quash reports that clamping could be scrapped completely, and that towing will no longer be used.

“We are still looking at how we could use towing and clamping as part of our overall approach to traffic management in the city.”

The council is now drawing up a new parking control policy to kick in on January 5. The proposals include:

*The replacement of towing with a ‘relocation’ service. Cars parked dangerously, in loading bays or in clear-ways will be towed to nearby streets, with the owners incurring a €40 fine. It will eliminate the towing of cars to the city pound, which imposed a €160 release fee.

*Using wheel clamps in limited circumstances only — for repeat offenders or motorists with outstanding parking fines.

The city’s team of 11 traffic wardens and two supervisors will replace the clamping regime by issuing parking fines, but they will not be directly involved in clamping, the city’s head of parking control, Eddie Hawkins, said.

The decision not to renew the APCOA contract follows years of criticism.

Traders branded it “unfair and dictatorial” and said it was damaging trade. Councillors criticised the fact that the system cost the city money.

The contract decision could result in the loss of up to 12 APCOA jobs.

“Unfortunately, as a result of this decision, a large number of the current workforce will lose their jobs,” APCOA’s managing director in Ireland, Neil Cunningham, said.

“We are currently in consultation with staff regarding this decision. We would like to thank our dedicated employees who have worked diligently in performing these services for the last eight years and we would welcome the opportunity to work again with the city council in the near future.”

Between 4,500 and 5,500 vehicles are clamped in Cork annually. New figures this week show the city spent €690,650 on towing and clamping in the first nine months of this year.

The system brought in €556,440 through fines — a net cost to the city of €134,210.

Cllr Sean Martin (FF), one of the policy’s most vocal opponents, said the system has cost the city up to €600,000 a year.

He welcomed the contract decision and said: “It had a very negative effect on the city. The word was out there Cork was not a nice place to park your car.

“The new system developed in-house will be more responsive and more people friendly.”

Cork Business Association (CBA) chairman Donal Healy welcomed the news.

“The cost of parking and clamping were always major issues for traders.

“Cork is the second largest shopping city in the country and this will be a major boost.”

He urged City Hall to ease off on clamping regime in the run up to Christmas.