Deep freeze spares Scots motorists from parking fines

By Oliver Farrimond

SCOTLAND’s deep-freeze is set to spare motorists from paying pricey parking fines.

Iced-up windscreens and snow-covered road markings are stopping wardens from being able to check for tickets properly.

Several Scots councils have since reported a drop in much-needed revenues from the fines.

One Edinburgh parking attendant said: “If we can’t see inside a vehicle because it’s covered in ice or snow then we won’t issue a ticket.

“We’re also restricted from fining cars on streets where the road markings are obscured.”

“There are thousands of cars across the city in this position but what can we do?

“It’s having a massive impact on the number of fines being dished out.”

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen expected to make more than £14 million from parking penalties during 2009.

But officials from Edinburgh and Glasgow councils have said that there has been a major reduction of parking fines issued during this winter.

And a spokeswoman for Dundee City Council confirmed: “Due to the severe weather conditions we are experiencing at the moment there are times when issuing a penalty charge notice is difficult

“This is either due to obscured road markings or windows being covered with snow.”

Nigel Humphries, spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, warned drivers to be vigilant over ticket-happy wardens once the snow thaws.

He said: “Usually traffic wardens look for any excuse to issue fines so it’s great to hear that sanity has prevailed on this one.

“But drivers who have abandoned their cars should be aware that as soon as the weather improves they will be targeted.”

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