Cheshire West records a huge drop in number of Frodsham penalty charge notices sent out

New figures show that the number of parking fines handed out in Frodsham car parks and parking spaces has decreased dramatically since 2015.

A Freedom of Information Request by Frodsham Nub News found that, between 2015 and 2019, the number of vehicle owners receiving penalty charge notices from Cheshire West and Chester Council dropped from 557 to 143.

Meanwhile, the amount of money raised through parking fines fluctuated, rising from £16,693 in 2015 to £18,310 in 2016, before plummeting to £2,378 in 2018. In 2019, the figure stood at £4,665.

However, while council-owned car parks are issuing fewer fines, the privately-owned Eddisbury Square has become more stringent in its charges.

Since late June, this car park has been operating an automatic number plate recognition system, which allows for two hours free parking.

People can then use the RingGo smartphone App to buy more time for their vehicle. However, if they fail to do so, and overstay their two hour limit, they will be liable for a £100 fine, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.