Torridge, a Shire District Council in England, operates on a modest surplus from its parking operations. According to DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25 data, the total parking income for Torridge is £2.0 million, with an expenditure of £1.0 million, resulting in a net surplus of £976,000. This surplus places Torridge at rank 156 out of 282 councils across England.
on 14 April 2026
How Much Does Torridge Make from Parking?
Torridge's parking operations generate a modest surplus of £976,000 for the fiscal year 2024-25, with an income of £2.0 million and expenses totalling £1.0 million. The breakdown shows that off-street parking alone accounts for all of this revenue at £2.0 million, while there's no reported income from on-street parking or PCNs (penalty charge notices). This means that Torridge doesn't rely on fines to generate significant income; instead, the council focuses more on managing and maintaining its off-street facilities.
The lack of PCN income indicates that any penalties issued by Torridge don't contribute financially towards overall revenue. As a result, these penalties are likely set up as deterrents rather than profit generators for the local authority. This approach aligns with many councils' efforts to balance enforcement with community welfare and operational efficiency.
According to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, torridge generated a parking surplus of £976,000 in 2024-25
How Does Torridge Compare to Other Councils?
Torridge's modest surplus of £976,000 puts it at rank 156 out of 282 councils in England, indicating a middle-of-the-pack performance. Across the country, the total parking surplus for all councils is £1,144.5 million, with some top-performing councils generating surpluses that are ten times or more than the average.
This ranking suggests that while Torridge manages its parking operations efficiently and without heavy reliance on fines, there may be opportunities to improve revenue generation through off-street facilities or by exploring alternative income streams within current constraints. However, the absence of PCN income also reflects a balanced approach towards enforcement versus community relations.
What Are Your Rights When You Get a Parking Fine in Torridge?
When receiving a parking fine in Torridge, it's important to understand whether you're dealing with a penalty charge notice (PCN) issued by the council or a private parking charge from a privately owned car park. Council PCNs follow specific procedures outlined under local regulations and traffic laws, whereas private charges adhere to rules set by trade bodies such as POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals).
For council PCNs in Torridge:
- You have a 14-day period during which you can pay the full amount or reduce it by 50% if settled within this window.
- Formal challenges must be made following receipt of the Notice to Owner, and these are reviewed internally before escalating to an independent appeal at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
Private parking charges:
- These are handled through POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) for car parks affiliated with certain trade bodies, or IAS (Independent Appeals Service) for others.
- You should follow their respective processes after receiving a charge notice from a private company.
under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, enforcement agencies can issue penalties directly to vehicle keepers rather than drivers, which adds another layer of complexity in managing parking fines. Ensuring you understand these rules is key to effectively challenging any unjust charges.
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 Torridge
When faced with a parking fine in Torridge, there are clear steps you should follow:
- Informal Challenge: Within 28 days (or 14 days if it's a council PCN to maintain the discount), contact the issuing authority or company directly to informally challenge the penalty.
- Formal Representation: After receiving the Notice to Owner, formally represent your case against the charge.
- Independent Appeal: If unresolved, appeal independently through either Traffic Penalty Tribunal for council PCNs or POPLA/IAS for private charges.
Remember that you don't need a claims management company; the process is designed to be free and straightforward without additional costs or middlemen. you can always complain directly to your local council if you feel there has been an oversight in their handling of your case.
Sources
- DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25
- Traffic Penalty Tribunal
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
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