ALMOST 5,000 fewer parking tickets were issued by Haringey Council in the past year, new figures show. Tickets fell from 203,183 to 198,247, London Councils reveal. Another notable drop was for fines issued to motorists who had driven in bus lanes. These

ALMOST 5,000 fewer parking tickets were issued by Haringey Council in the past year, new figures show.

Tickets fell from 203,183 to 198,247, London Councils reveal.

Another notable drop was for fines issued to motorists who had driven in bus lanes.

These fell by 9,707 from 16,671 to 6,964.

The figures also show that the council's main focus has been on motorists committing higher level parking offences.

Since the introduction of a two-tier parking charge system in July last year, the council has issued 103,984 fines for more serious parking offences such as parking illegally on yellow lines, on the pavement or on zebra crossings.

It has also issued 18,927 fines for lower level offences, such as staying too long in a pay-and-display bay.

Environment boss Cllr Brian Haley said: "We endeavour to be firm but fair at all times when it comes to parking enforcement.

"At the same time, we're working hard to try to ensure residents are aware of the rules and stick to them.

"The drop in the number of tickets we're issuing suggests this approach is starting to have an effect.

"The fall in bus lane fines is particularly pleasing because it means quicker journey times for our buses.