Council called in bailiffs 64 times A DAY to chase motorists over unpaid parking fines

Manchester council called in the bailiffs 23,000 times in a year to chase motorists over unpaid parking fines, new data shows.

The authority made 23,510 referrals to bailiffs in 2022/23 for unpaid parking charges. That means they called in debt collectors an average of 64 times each day in the period.

A spokesperson for the council said their use 'is often a last resort, with the council going to great lengths to communicate with motorists for the repayment of any unpaid fines.'

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They added: "With tens of thousands of paid-for parking spaces in the city centre as well as numerous other free locations there is little justification for people to park illegally. Fines that are incurred can be reduced when paid early, with motorists also having the right to appeal any decisions they feel are incorrect.

"As in any case where there is outstanding debt the council will always look to help those who ask for it and accounts are only ever escalated to enforcement if there is no other option available to us.

"Any money collected from fees and fines is reinvested into the city's highways network, ensuring that motorists can continue to travel smoothly and roads are regularly maintained. Failure to pay fines ultimately limits the Council's ability to provide the vital services which keep Manchester running."

In total, council bosses made 43,209 bailiff referrals, the highest in the country according to newly-obtained freedom of information figures. That means unpaid parking accounted for more than half (54 percent) of calls.

The next-highest sum was 16,281, for unpaid council tax. Since this data was collected, the council agreed to stop