Durham UA collected £1.4 million in parking surplus during 2024-25, including £638,000 from penalty charge notices (PCNs). Data source: DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25.
on 14 April 2026
Durham Unitary Authority (UA) generates notable parking income and has a surplus of £1.4 million, placing it ranked 131 out of 282 councils in the UK according to DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25 figures. This revenue is predominantly sourced from on-street parking (£2.5 million) and off-street parking (£2.3 million). Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), which account for £638,000 of the total income, represent a significant portion but are still relatively small compared to other major sources.
How Much Does Durham UA Make from Parking?
Durham Unitary Authority's parking revenue is substantial at £4.7 million annually, with a surplus of £1.4 million after expenses amounting to £3.4 million. The income is split largely between on-street (£2.5 million) and off-street (£2.3 million) parking charges. PCNs contribute significantly but make up only 13% of the total income at £638,000.
The breakdown highlights that while Durham UA relies heavily on regular parking fees, fines also play a role in generating revenue. However, compared to other councils, it's clear that Durham's reliance on PCN income for its overall surplus is less pronounced.
How Does Durham UA Compare to Other Councils?
Durham Unitary Authority ranks 131 out of 282 across the UK when considering parking surpluses. The national total surplus stands at £1,144.5 million, with the top councils generating more than ten times the average surplus, indicating a wide disparity in how different areas manage and enforce parking regulations.
Despite its solid income generation, Durham UA's relative standing suggests that while it effectively manages parking revenues, there's still significant variation across local authorities regarding this specific aspect of council operations.
According to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, durham ua generated a parking surplus of £1.4 million in 2024-25
What Are Your Rights When You Get a Parking Fine in Durham UA?
When you receive a PCN from Durham Unitary Authority or private operators within its jurisdiction, understanding your rights is important. Council-issued PCNs are subject to specific processes and timelines that differ from those issued by private parking companies.
For council PCNs, motorists have the option to challenge the fine informally within 28 days, with a 14-day period where a 50% discount applies if you act promptly. After this stage, formal representation can be made after receiving a Notice to Owner (NTO). If these steps are unsuccessful, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal offers an independent appeal route.
For private PCNs, the process diverges based on which trade body regulates the operator. POPLA or IAS provide avenues for challenge depending on whether the company is a member of one of these organisations. under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, liability can be transferred to a vehicle keeper if they're not the driver at fault.
According to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, you can appeal a council parking fine for free through the traffic penalty tribunal
How to Appeal a Parking Fine in Durham UA
To appeal a parking fine effectively, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Make an informal challenge within 28 days. For council PCNs specifically, acting within 14 days can secure a 50% discount.
- Step 2: After receiving the Notice to Owner (NTO), formally represent your case for reconsideration.
- Step 3: Independent appeals can be made through the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for Durham UA's fines or POPLA/IAS for private operators.
You don't need a claims management company, as the appeal process is free and can be conducted directly with the council. This ensures that anyone facing parking fines has accessible recourse without incurring additional costs.
According to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, private parking charges are contractual invoices, not criminal fines, under schedule 4 of the act
Sources
- DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25
- Traffic Penalty Tribunal
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
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