SUNDERLAND CITY COUNCIL DECRIMINALISED PARKING ENFORCEMENT - REFUNDS TO MOTORISTS

We had this information sent to us in a response to an FoI request, but Sunderland decided to issue a 'damage limitation' press release the same day, to avoid us making any capital out of it.
The trouble is that more and more evidence is being gathered highlighting the incompetence of everyone involved in this sorry saga.
It should have been hands up and apologies from the outset ... but they were too arrogant for that.
Now, it is likely that their deception is to go back to the Department for Transport and the Secretary of State for a full investigation. If there is no satisfactory outcome then it is likely that the matter will end up in the High Court.

07/08/2006 For Immediate Release

SUNDERLAND CITY COUNCIL DECRIMINALISED PARKING ENFORCEMENT - REFUNDS TO MOTORISTS

SUNDERLAND CITY COUNCIL has repaid more than £57,000 to motorists who were issued with a parking ticket incorrectly. The Council has decided that any monies that have not been able to be refunded, after making reasonable efforts to do so, will be donated to a charity connected with road safety.

This follows an initial audit of all existing traffic orders, lines and signs which was undertaken throughout the City to establish their eligibility for enforcement.

Some locations were identified where discrepancies were found either in the descriptions within the traffic order or signs and lines out on site that may be adjudged to have misled the public.
In these circumstances, where Penalty Charge Notices (PCN's) have been incorrectly issued, the Council has refunded £57,632.79 to date to motorists. A further £6,302.40 has been identified as yet to be refunded and efforts are being made to trace the motorists concerned.

Remedial works have now been undertaken at these locations to ensure compliance. Detailed checks of the parking and waiting restrictions will be ongoing and if further discrepancies are identified then the Council will take similar action.