THE number of parking fines issued in Helensburgh and Lomond almost quadrupled between April and June – but car park income in the area remains below its target.

A report has revealed that 1,611 such punishments were issued in the area during those three months, compared to 411 between January and March, when movement was restricted due to the pandemic.

The rise is partly attributed to a lack of signs and lines in Luss, which caused motorists to unknowingly park in illegal spots.

The ratio is broadly similar for the whole of Argyll and Bute, with the total going from 462 in the first three months of 2021 to 1,915 in the second quarter.

However, the same report says car park income in Helensburgh and Lomond was £39,833 against a target of £56,532 from April to June, although some card payments have yet to be accounted for.

Car parking income across Argyll and Bute was £65,535 against a target of £194,703 – but with more than £78,000 in card payments throughout the council area set to be added.

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The details featured in a report for Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee, which met virtually earlier this month.

A brief comment on the number of parking fines said that Glen Loin 1 car park, in Arrochar, was no longer leased by the council, and that a lack of signs and lines in Luss was causing visitors to park in the area by mistake.

Council network and standards manager Hugh O’Neill said in his report that while Loch Lomondside remained busy, other parts of the area had not reached pre-Covid levels.

In relation to car parking income, Mr O’Neill said: “Some income arising from card payments is still to be allocated to the area totals.

“However, these won’t be accounted for until financial quarter two due to the billing process. Card payments are taken by a third party and credited to the council on a monthly basis.

“Officer observations are that within Helensburgh and Lomond, Arrochar and Luss are busy most of the time while Helensburgh is busier on sunny days.”

On the Argyll and Bute-wide total, Mr O’Neill added: “While financial quarter one is showing an under-recovery of £129,168, it should be noted that there are additional card payments amounting to £78,131 arising from June.

“Notwithstanding this, there is still an under-recovery for financial quarter one which may be an impact of the ongoing Covid restrictions.”

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