Statistics from Police Scotland has shown that over 11,000 parking charges have been handed out in Stirling over the past five years. Traffic wardens from Police Scotland and its predecessor, Central Scotland Police force, handed out 11,430 tickets in Stirling between 2009 and November of 2013.
Police Scotland has withdrawn its traffic warden service across the majority of Scottish Local Authorities. However, plans are still currently being discussed with a few specific local authorities to retain the traffic warden service in Inverness, Midlothian, West Lothian and Stirling.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said:
“These statistics prove how important the Police Scotland traffic warden service is to Stirling. Over the past five years traffic wardens have found over 11,000 vehicles parked inappropriately and fines have acted as a deterrent to motorists thinking of parking irresponsibly.
“This service has not only helped make Stirling easier to drive through, but has also helped keep pedestrians safe.
“If Police Scotland chooses to remove their service then Stirling Council will have to find nearly £200,000 from their purse at a time when budgets are already stretched. Additionally, it will take around two years for Stirling Council to introduce decriminalised parking and I would urge Police Scotland to strongly consider continuing the service in Stirling.”