City being destroyed by ‘ticket hungry wardens’ says councillor

Pat Catney says there is now an urgent need for a united business and political front in order to find an alternative to what he describes as the “constant tidal wave of parking tickets being issued in Lisburn”.

Mr Catney feels shopping in the city has now become an “exercise filled with fear”.

“People that come into the city are now terrified that if they overstep, by just a few minutes, the time limit on the parking meter they will be penalized.

“Shopping used to be, and still should be, an important social experience. Now it is a case of getting in and getting out as soon as possible. As a community we have to stand up and say enough is enough. We have to challenge the damage being caused by the Red Cap menace.”

“There is absolutely no point in talking about helping regenerate the High Street in Lisburn and other towns if traffic wardens are waiting to pounce at every opportunity,” he added.

DRD spokesperson said: “All drivers have a responsibility to park correctly and to observe any restrictions that may be in place. Traffic attendants perform a vital role in managing traffic in town and cities across Northern Ireland and Penalty Charge Notices (PCN’s) are only issued when an offence been observed.”

“Last year the number of PCNs issued in Lisburn reduced by around 20%. A total of 6125 PCNs were issued in 2012, compared to 7626 in 2011.”