More parking fines have been issued at Valley Drive than any other street in Harrogate, with the council collecting over £73,000 from motorists since 2021.

Valley Drive, which runs adjacent to Valley Gardens, has topped the list for the most on-street PCNs issued in the town during each of the last three years.

North Yorkshire Council, which controls parking in the county, supplied its parking fine data for Harrogate to the Local Democracy Reporting Service following a freedom of information request.

In 2021, there were 1,402 penalty charge notices (PCN) issued on Valley Drive which generated £35,153 for the council.

The number fell to 978 PCNs last year worth a combined £23,814.

So far in 2023, the council has issued 672 PCNs which has brought in £15,070.

Valley Drive is in a disc zone which is when motorists display a paper disc with the clock set to the time of arrival in order to receive free parking.

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However, if motorists do not display a disc after they park, or they stay longer than their allotted time, they are liable to receive a PCN worth £50 — which is reduced to £25 if paid within 14 days.

North Yorkshire Council said it has stepped-up patrols on Valley Drive which has reduced the number of offences.

The street with the second-highest number of parking fines is West Park, which is next to a section of the Stray and hospitality venues including Weetons, the Coach and Horses and the Yorkshire Hotel.

There have been 1,399 PCNs issued on West Park since 2021 generating a total of £30,382.

Other streets to make the top 3 include St Mary’s Walk, James Street and Station Parade.

Steve Brown, North Yorkshire Council’s head of parking services, said:

“Our parking officers patrol areas with both waiting and stopping restrictions. The patrolling is random, but the areas that appear to cause the most breaches are patrolled more often until more motorists comply.

“The statistics for Valley Drive show that our tactic is working, as the number of notices has dramatically decreased in the last few years.”

The full figures are below:

2021

1. Valley Drive: 1402 PCNs generating £35,153.

2. West Park: 463 PCNs generating £10,037.

3. St Mary’s Walk: 390 PCNs generating £9,977.35

2022

1. Valley Drive: 972 PCNs generating £23,814.

2. West Park: 543 PCNs generating £12,382.

3. James Street: 505 PCNs generating £13,700.

2023 (up to September)

1. Valley Drive: 672 PCNs generating £15,070.

2. West Park: 393 PCNs generating £8,005.

3. Station Parade: 343 PCNs generating £5,260.

Plans have been lodged to convert the former Luigi’s restaurant in Harrogate into a flat.

The Italian restaurant on Valley Drive closed in October 2021. Now, proposals have been lodged to change the use of the building into a flat.

Documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council by Nidge O’Brien say the former restaurant would be changed into one two-bedroom apartment.

Luigi’s closed its doors on October 17. In a post on its Facebook page, management at the restaurant said:

“We have thus reached the end of the journey, and we take this opportunity to thank all the customers who have supported us with their affection during these two years. 

“Luigi’s Restaurant will open its doors for you on Sunday 17th October for the last time.  

“Heartfelt thanks to all of you, it was a pleasure to pamper you and give you the goodness of our simple and genuine dishes.  We will meet again, around the county.”

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

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A 17-year-old motorcyclist was knocked off his bike in a suspected hit and run on Harrogate’s Valley Drive on Sunday.

The teenager came off his black Lexmoto Null motorcycle at about 2.30pm.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement he suffered minor injuries.

It is appealing for witnesses or anyone who recalls seeing the vehicles prior to the collision to get in touch. It added:

“In particular, we are appealing for information about a white, Mini Cooper S seen being driven by a male driver at the time believed to be involved in the collision.”

Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Rebecca Foster. Or email Rebecca.Foster2@northyorkshire.police.uk.

The police reference number to quote is 12210143529.

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