Official statistics released yesterday (31 July 2013) show that councils are continuing to forecast to make £635 million profit from parking charges and fines. The figures also show that councils will make £34 million more in net income from parking charges this year than in 2012 to 2013.

Crawley MP, Henry Smith, commented:

“New official statistics show that councils are continuing to forecast to make £635 million profit from parking charges and fines in 2013 to 2014.  These figures are clear evidence why town hall parking rules need to change.

“I’m delighted that the Government has taken action to scrap Whitehall rules that previously told councils to hike up parking charges, adopt draconian enforcement and impose arbitrary limits on off-street parking spaces. I understand that Ministers are considering what further steps can be taken to ensure that town hall parking policies and practices support local high streets.

“The problem is that councils aren’t listening, and local shops and hard-working families are suffering as a result. The law is clear that parking isn’t a tax or cash cow for town hall officers.

“Having received various complaints from local residents over the past three years, I’ve written to Crawley Borough Council’s Chief Executive expressing my concerns and to request that Town Hall reviews its enforcement procedures in light of the Government’s efforts to counter hiked up parking charges and fines.”

Concerns have been raised that town hall parking rules are undermining local high streets and shopping parades. A 2012 survey found that almost 7 in 10 people intentionally avoided shopping areas with high parking prices. Two thirds said they would return to the high street if parking was more affordable. 1 in 5 felt there were not enough spaces available. It also found that 4 out of 5 people pay up to £150 per month for parking.

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