THE top ten streets in Warrington where drivers have fallen foul of parking wardens have been revealed with the majority of locations situated in the town centre.

The hotspots for penalty charge notices in the town were uncovered following a Freedom of Information request by the Warrington Guardian with Radnor Street in Whitecross taking the top spot.

But this is not the first time Radnor Street has appeared in the list with the road also appearing in the top spot for 2014 to 2015 and in second position for 2013 to 2014.

This was followed by Bewsey Street off Froghall Lane, Sankey Street in the town centre, London Road in Stockton Heath and Palmyra Square North in the town centre.

The list also included Barbauld Street, Town Hill, Arpley Street, Cairo Street and Springfield Street which are all located in the town centre.

The total number of parking tickets in the town has also risen in comparison to the same time the previous year.

Between October 29, 2015, and October 28, 2016, a total of 12,530 penalty charge notices were issued to motorists. This is compared 11,530 the year previous.

Out of the 22 per cent of drivers that decided to appeal against their tickets, only a total of nine cases were successful when they were sent to an adjudicator.

A council spokesman said: "Penalty charge notices have been issued on those streets as motorists have parked in contravention to the restrictions which are in place for a number of reasons – such as safety and the efficient management of the road network.

"There are currently a number of publicly owned car parks available in, or near to, the town centre, such as the Town Hall, Winwick Street, Time Square temporary car park along with privately-owned car parks.

"The new multi-storey car park is due to be completed later this year, which will help with the availability of parking spaces.

"There are currently no plans to introduce free parking in the town centre."

The frequent targeting of locations in the centre of Warrington by traffic wardens has deterred shoppers from coming to the town centre, it has been claimed by some business owners.

Jackie Newton, shop owner at The Zipyard on Sankey Street, said: “I know I have lost customers because they have to pay for parking and Warrington businesses desperately need all the help they can get. 

“The revenue the council are getting from tickets isn’t benefitting any business owners.” 

Pam Parker, receptionist at Richard Shaws Opticians on Bold Street, also voiced her concerns.

She said: “The parking charges are too high compared to other towns where you get more reasonably priced parking.” 

Hayley Green, branch manager at Albemarle and Bond on Sankey Street, added: "It affects the whole town. People go to Widnes because there is free parking there.”