£635m Car Parking Profit

It is reported today that local authorities in the UK are estimated to make £635m profit from motorists in parking charges and fines this year.

The figures were released by the government and highlight a worrying trend in rising parking charges despite reduced congestion and traffic levels falling.

The news has caused many to accuse councils of using motorists as a cash cow. Eric Pickles, local government secretary, is quoted as saying “This government has scrapped the last administration’s Whitehall rules which told councils to hike up parking charges and adopt aggressive parking enforcement… The law is clear that parking is not a tax or cash cow for town hall officers.”

When it comes to decreased inner city retail trade, many would point the finger at the Internet. However with today’s news, could local authorities actually hold the answer to the resurgence of Britain’s beloved high street?

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