Parking Bills Hit All-Time High in the UK

Drivers across the UK are paying record sums for parking as councils, facing financial pressure, tighten regulations, raise permit fees, and issue more fines to boost revenue.

Government data shows councils generated £1.2bn in profit from parking last year, up from £1bn the year before and £900m pre-COVID. When administrative costs for processing tickets and fines are included, motorists spent £2.4bn on parking charges in total.

Income is drawn from permits, tickets, and penalties, with councils employing large teams to manage the system. Parking has become a billion-pound industry, with London alone accounting for 46% of all parking income and 56% of profits. Earlier this year, Mayor Sadiq Khan raised the maximum fine in the capital from £130 to £160. By law, councils must use parking profits for transport-related spending such as subsidised travel or road repairs.

However, motoring groups have hit out at the rising costs. The AA warned that expanded enforcement effectively acts as a “local tax on drivers,” especially for those on low incomes. RAC’s Rod Dennis echoed the criticism, saying councils are relying on parking revenues to plug budget shortfalls.

With fees and fines mounting, experts advise drivers to follow these tips to avoid unnecessary costs:

• Avoid causing an obstruction: Even in marked bays, parking in a way that blocks vehicles or pedestrians can lead to fines of up to £110.

• Don’t leave the engine running: Idling is illegal under the Highway Code and can result in fines of £40–£80, particularly around schools.

• Keep proof of payment: Save tickets, receipts, or photos of broken machines as evidence if fines are disputed.

• Follow car park rules: Ensure your car is fully within bays, use restricted spots only with permission, and respect time limits.

• Know your right to appeal: If issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) unfairly, motorists can challenge it. Informal appeals can be made within 28 days, but a formal representation may be required if rejected.

Several drivers have successfully overturned fines, such as Zoe Bread, who went viral on TikTok for appealing a ticket in Manchester, and Hannah Robinson, who had £11,000 in fines cancelled after contesting Excel Parking.

Read also: UK Drivers Could Face £5,000 Fine