Runnymede Borough Council runs a modest surplus of £268,000 from parking fines and charges in the financial year 2024-25, ranking it 218 out of 282 councils nationwide. The total income generated by Runnymede's parking operations is £768,000, with a significant portion coming from off-street parking at £752,000. On the other hand, on-street parking contributes only £16,000 to this total, and penalty charge notices (PCNs) bring in just £16,000, representing less than 2% of overall income.
on 14 April 2026
How Much Does Runnymede Make from Parking?
Runnymede Borough Council's parking operations generate a modest surplus of £268,000 for the financial year 2024-25. According to DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25 data, the total income comes primarily from off-street parking at £752,000. On-street parking and PCN (penalty charge notice) income each contribute a smaller amount, with on-street parking bringing in just £16,000 and PCNs contributing another £16,000. The council spends £500,000 annually to maintain these operations, resulting in the modest surplus.
The breakdown of Runnymede's parking income highlights a significant disparity between off-street and on-street parking revenues. Off-street parking accounts for 98% of total income, while on-street parking makes up only 2%. The £16,000 from PCNs represents less than 2% of the overall income, indicating that fines are a minor component of Runnymede's parking revenue.
According to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, runnymede generated a parking surplus of £268,000 in 2024-25
How Does Runnymede Compare to Other Councils?
Runnymede ranks 218 out of 282 councils in terms of parking surplus. While this places it among the lower half of UK councils, it's important to note that top-performing councils generate surpluses ten times or more than the national average. The overall picture shows a wide range in how different local authorities manage their parking operations and revenues.
What Are Your Rights When You Get a Parking Fine in Runnymede?
When you receive a parking fine, it's important to understand whether it comes from a council PCN or a private parking charge. Council PCNs are issued by the local authority itself, while private parking charges are administered by private companies managing off-street car parks.
For council PCNs, motorists have several options:
- A 14-day period during which you can pay half of the fine to avoid full payment.
- The ability to formally challenge the penalty charge within a set timeframe after receiving the notice.
- If unsuccessful in challenging the ticket, you may appeal through the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
According to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, you can appeal a council parking fine for free through the traffic penalty tribunal
For private parking charges, the process varies depending on whether the operator belongs to ParkingEye or another trade body. In such cases:
- Motorists can appeal through POPLA (Parking On Private Land Appeals) if the company is a member of a specific trade body.
- Alternatively, they may use IAS (Independent Appeals Service) for other operators.
The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 also stipulates that parking fines are typically sent to vehicle keepers rather than drivers. This means you have a right to challenge any penalty notice received if it's not applicable or incorrectly applied to your situation.
How to Appeal a Parking Fine in Runnymede
To appeal a parking fine issued by the council, follow these steps:
- Informally challenge the PCN within 28 days (or 14 days for council fines to keep the discount).
- Submit formal representation once you receive the Notice to Owner.
- Lodge an independent appeal through the Traffic Penalty Tribunal if your local authority hasn't resolved the issue.
For parking fines issued by private companies, follow these procedures:
- Informal challenge within 28 days as per POPLA or IAS guidelines.
- Formal representation after receiving a Notice of Charge from the operator.
- Independent appeals via POPLA for ParkingEye members or IAS for other operators.
you can also directly complain to your council free of charge if you believe there has been an administrative error. you don't need a claims management company; the appeal process is entirely free and accessible without external assistance.
Sources
- DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25
- Traffic Penalty Tribunal
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
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