More than 350 parking tickets have been given out on Spalding’s Sheep Market in a year.
A report to the county council says a total of 35,292 penalty notices were issued in the 2021/22 financial year.
But despite handing out tickets to 96 drivers a day, the county council made a loss of £48,668, says the report.
It shows that £1.28m was collected in fines, still less than the cost of the service.
“Recent deficits (excluding COVID implications) have primarily occurred due to the increase in National Living Wage requirements,” the report to Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee on Monday outlines.
Projected contract costs will rise by at least £50,000 from April with any shortfall being covered from the council’s General Fund.
“Whilst costs are on the rise, the real time cost of a Penalty Charge Notice has remained the same for many years.
“The British Parking Association have been vocal in requesting a review from central government into a potential increase.”
The number of notices handed out has risen from 31,029 in 2017/18 to £35,292 with the exception of 2020/21 when the pandemic saw the number drop to 24,225.
“The enforcement for parking is due for tender in 2024. Work has already begun to hold informal discussions with neighbouring local authorities and local authorities that have a similar geographical make up as we see in Lincolnshire.
“The aim of the scoping exercise is to look for innovative ways of delivering parking enforcement and associated services within the most efficient cost envelope,” the report says.
The county council says it ensures patrols are as ‘efficient as possible’ and areas with known issues are frequented as often as possible.
Lincoln and Boston both saw more than 1,000 notices while Skegness, Stamford and Louth all come in above Spalding which is 13th in the number of notices issued.
Top street in South Holland is Spalding Sheep Market on 354, followed by 266 on the Town’s Broad Street.
Back Lane in Holbeach accounts for 30 notices while Long Sutton Market Place saw 51.
As a district, South Holland had 1,755 tickets issued during the last financial year.
