Drivers in Somerset have seen parking penalty charge notices increase by nearly a third in the area with drivers now paying millions in fines.
According to a Freedom of Information request, the number of parking fines issued grew from 48,839 between August 2022 and August 2023 to 59,106 representing a 21 per cent increase.
The figures revealed that on average, 162 fines were issued daily in the most recent 12-month period, compared to just 133 per day in the year prior.
The sharp rise in penalties has led to a significant boost in council revenue from parking fines with the authority raking in £1.3million from parking fines.
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Somerset raised £1.3million in fines
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The average parking fine drivers can receive in the region ranges from £50 to £130, with Fixed Penalty Notices potentially reaching up to £300 for more severe violations.
In Somerset, there is a charge of £70, which is reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days, for more serious contraventions, like parking on a yellow line. The same fines apply for drivers entering bus gates, although they have 21 days to get the discount.
A lesser charge of £50, which is reduced to £25 if paid early, applies to less serious parking contraventions, such as overstaying a time limit, or not paying for parking.
The rise in parking fines is not just limited to Somerset. Across the UK, private parking companies are set to issue around 13 million penalties this year equating to over 35,000 per day.
Some companies are even expected to double their profits this year, partly due to their ability to issue higher fines compared to Government or council areas.
The financial impact on Somerset Council has been significant with the local authority issuing over 150,000 parking fines in the past three years.
A substantial portion of this revenue created by the charges has been allocated to highway improvement projects, the council stated.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at Cinch said: “These figures should be a reminder for all drivers to carefully check any nearby signs before parking, especially in busy areas or places they aren’t familiar with. Nobody wants to find a parking finecome through their letterbox.”
Sheehan also advised motorists of their right to challenge unfair penalties reminding drivers they have 28 days to appeal a fine to an independent tribunal.
The council detailed: “Civil Enforcement Officers are trained to follow procedures to ensure that Penalty Charge Notices are served fairly.
“In some cases, this means observing for a period of time to ensure that an exemption (for example loading or unloading) does not apply. A Civil Enforcement Officer is also required to gather relevant information (such as the vehicle registration mark and photographs) before a Penalty Charge Notice can be served.”
A Somerset Council spokesperson said: “It’s important to stress that a penalty notice can only be served if a vehicle is parked in contravention of parking regulations, such as failing to pay for parking or parking in a restricted area.
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Somerset Council has issued over 150,000 parking fines in the past three years
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“The increase appears to be simply down to a rise in the number of drivers parking in contravention of the restrictions.”
