A RESIDENTS parking scheme in Lancaster has been slammed as 'a farce' by an incensed resident. Mr Russell Smallwood says that since the scheme started his friends and visitors have had to fork out a total of £200 in fines. And Mr Smallwood, who pays £20 a year to park outside his own home, believes the Bulk Road zone where he lives does not even have a commuter parking problem.

"I'm paying money to prosecute and fine my own friends," said Mr Smallwood, who has himself been fined.

"It's an ill-conceived scheme that is overly bureaucratic and inconveniences the people who are paying for it. There's not a single person I've spoken to who thinks its been worth the effort. The council claim the residents want it but no democratic decision was taken around here." The schemes were brought in to stop commuters parking in residential streets to avoid paying in the city centre car parks. Residents pay £20 a year and £1 for visitor passes, which are obtained from the Town Hall during working hours.

"There's so much faffing about involved and if you make a mistake or simply forget on one occasion you get a fine," added Mr Smallwood. "We have wardens down here about four or five times a day and they aggressively fine anything that isn't ticketed properly. They never give any leeway or make enquiries with residents. It's not doing what it was supposed to do as commuters don't park down here. It's just making money for the council."

Transport chief, Cllr Pat Rye, said that the scheme had reduced commuter parking in the Bulk Road area.

He said: "No system is perfect and there will always be people who will unfortunately get caught out. We are always prepared to listen to reasonable suggestions about improvements. People aren't dancing in the streets about it but it seems to be working."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.