Kingston Upon Thames generates a significant parking surplus of £6.1 million in the fiscal year 2024-25, ranking it 44th out of 282 councils across the UK according to DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25 figures. This revenue is important for the borough's operations and reflects a substantial contribution from parking charges and penalty charge notices (PCNs).
on 09 April 2026
How Much Does Kingston Upon Thames Make from Parking?
Kingston Upon Thames generates notable parking income, with off-street parking contributing £5.6 million to the total of £12.1 million in parking revenue. On-street parking, on the other hand, brings in £6.5 million, highlighting the borough's reliance on both private and public parking facilities.
Penalty charge notices (PCNs) are a significant source of income for Kingston Upon Thames, contributing £2.5 million to the total parking income. PCN income represents approximately 21% of the overall parking revenue generated by the council. Despite this, it's important to note that the surplus from parking activities stands at £6.1 million after accounting for expenditures of £6.0 million.
According to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, kingston upon thames generated a parking surplus of £6.1 million in 2024-25
How Does Kingston Upon Thames Compare to Other Councils?
Kingston Upon Thames ranks 44th out of 282 councils in terms of parking surplus. While this places it among the higher-earning boroughs, it's important to understand that some top-performing councils generate more than ten times the average surplus. The national total for parking surpluses across all local authorities amounts to £1,144.5 million, with PCN income contributing a significant portion of £739.5 million.
The disparity in revenue generation among different councils can be attributed to various factors such as population density, traffic congestion, and the availability of public transport alternatives. Kingston Upon Thames finds itself in a unique position due to its central location within Greater London and its reliance on both private and public parking facilities for generating income.
What Are Your Rights When You Get a Parking Fine in Kingston Upon Thames?
When you receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) in Kingston Upon Thames, it's important to understand the distinction between council PCNs and private parking charges. Council-issued PCNs are governed by specific rules and procedures that differ from those issued by private operators.
For council-issued PCNs, there's a 14-day period during which you can pay half of the fine to avoid further penalties. If you wish to contest the charge formally, you must submit your challenge within this period to maintain eligibility for the discount. Following submission of an informal challenge, if it's unsuccessful, you may proceed to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for a formal appeal.
Private parking charges are regulated by different bodies depending on the operator's affiliation. Appeals against these can be made to either POPLA (Parking On Private Land Act) or IAS (Independent Assessment Service), again based on the trade body overseeing the private operator in question.
The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 introduced specific rules regarding keeper liability, ensuring that vehicle owners aren't automatically liable for parking fines unless they can be shown to have been driving at the time of the offence or were otherwise responsible. This act provides a layer of protection against unfair enforcement actions.
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 Kingston Upon Thames
Appealing a parking fine in Kingston Upon Thames involves several steps, starting with an informal challenge within 28 days of receiving the notice (or 14 days for council PCNs to maintain eligibility for the discount). After this initial stage, if your appeal is unsuccessful, you can proceed to formal representation following receipt of a Notice to Owner.
For independent appeals, those contesting council-issued PCNs should direct their cases to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, while private parking charge disputes are handled by POPLA or IAS depending on the operator. you don't need a claims management company; the appeal process is entirely free and can be initiated directly with your local authority.
In summary, Kingston Upon Thames plays a significant role in generating substantial revenue through its parking operations. However, motorists have rights and recourse when facing fines, ensuring they're not left without means to challenge unjust charges.
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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