MONEY raised by parking fines across East Lothian generated less than half what was initially stated.

Figures provided through a freedom of information (FOI) request suggested that £856,970 had been brought in during the last financial year.

The findings, which were analysed by cinch, the UK’s biggest online retailer of used cars, suggested that £263,730 was generated for East Lothian Council from April 2022 to the end of March last year before a massive jump over the following 12 months.

In April last year, parking fines across the county rose from £60 to £100.

READ MORE: Parking fines brought in £850,000 to East Lothian Council

A spokesperson for the local authority confirmed that the figures covering the financial years had been found to be incorrect.

They told the Courier: “The details provided in response to the freedom of information request were incorrect.

“The number of parking charge notices issued in East Lothian fell between 2022/23 and 2023/24 (11,539 and 9,460 respectively).

“However, as the charge increased from April 1, 2023, the revenue generated rose from £295,390 to £374,374.

“Musselburgh High Street recorded the most notices issued, followed by Yellowcraig, Tyninghame Links and Gullane Bents car parks and Dunbar High Street.

“Parking charge notices can only be issued in cases where people are found to be parked illegally.

“As well as risking a fine, they are also potentially risking the safety of others.

“Drivers should check the restrictions in the area before they park to avoid any unwanted charges.”