THERE is no denying that a case can be made that the new controversial night-time parking charges introduced into Southampton in January have proved a success.

Far from being a financial damp squib as some opposition politicians predicted, the charges have exceeded the estimated income by double the amount.

And on top of the huge sums being raised by the flat £2 fee, it has been revealed today how in just ten short weeks the council has benefited from a further £28,000 in penalty charges levelled against those drivers who failed to buy a ticket.

The financial argument then appears to have been won by the ruling Labour group, even if drivers may feel scorched by these penalties and having to pay out so much in fines.

Yet, as the cash is counted, we should not forget this is a tax and those who govern should not be over celebratory for taking much more than they estimated from the public.

Whether the surplus amount will be used to scrap plans for a tax on residents to leave vehicles outside their own homes waits to be seen.

This paper suggests residents should not hold their breath...