Bath & North East Somerset UA collected £9.2 million in parking surplus during 2024-25, including £1.1 million from penalty charge notices (PCNs). Data source: DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25.
on 09 April 2026
Bath & North East Somerset Unitary Authority generates a notable parking surplus of £9.2 million, placing it ranked 33 out of 282 councils in the UK based on DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25 data. This surplus is significant when considering that Bath & North East Somerset UA's total parking income stands at £16.6 million while its expenditure amounts to £7.4 million.
How Much Does Bath & North East Somerset UA Make from Parking?
Bath & North East Somerset Unitary Authority (B&NES) generates a substantial amount of revenue through parking charges, with the bulk coming from off-street and on-street parking services as well as penalty charge notices (PCNs). The council's total parking income is £16.6 million, which includes £4.5 million from on-street parking, £12.1 million from off-street parking, and £1.1 million from PCN income.
Off-street parking, with its significant revenue of £12.1 million, plays a important role in the overall earnings for B&NES. This suggests that car parks operated by B&NES are well-utilised and likely contribute to the city's economic vibrancy through attracting visitors and businesses. On-street parking income of £4.5 million indicates that there's also substantial demand for roadside parking, which might be influenced by high footfall in central Bath.
PCN income accounts for a smaller but still significant portion of B&NES's total revenue at £1.1 million. This amount represents approximately 6.6% of the council's overall parking income. The fact that PCNs contribute to this surplus highlights the extent to which enforcement measures are effectively generating funds, though it also raises questions about the fairness and transparency of these fines.
How Does Bath & North East Somerset UA Compare to Other Councils?
Bath & North East Somerset Unitary Authority ranks 33rd out of 282 councils by parking surplus. The top-performing councils generate over ten times more than the average, which is £4 million compared to B&NES's £9.2 million. This ranking places B&NES in a competitive but not exceptional position when it comes to parking revenue generation.
The high variability among council revenues indicates that there are significant differences in how local authorities manage and regulate their parking infrastructures. For instance, councils with more extensive commercial activities or larger tourist attractions might naturally generate higher parking surpluses compared to those with less urban development.
What Are Your Rights When You Get a Parking Fine in Bath & North East Somerset UA?
When you receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in Bath & North East Somerset UA, it's important to understand whether the notice comes from B&NES or is issued by a private parking operator. These two types of fines come with different sets of rights and procedures for challenging them.
For PCNs issued by B&NES, you have 14 days within which to challenge the fine informally and potentially secure a 50% discount on the penalty charge if your appeal is successful or you withdraw it voluntarily. Following this initial period, formal challenges can be made through Notice to Owner procedures. If these steps are unsuccessful, you may then proceed to an independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal appeal.
According to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, bath & north east somerset ua generated a parking surplus of £9.2 million in 2024-25
In contrast, when dealing with private PCNs issued by car park operators, such as those in shopping centres or multi-storey buildings, your options differ slightly. These appeals should go through the Parking On Private Land Appeals (POPLA) if the operator is a member of the British Parking Association or the Independent Appeals Service (IAS) if affiliated with other bodies.
The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 established specific rules regarding keeper liability for parking fines, ensuring that drivers are protected from unjust enforcement practices. You should know these regulations when contesting any parking fines issued by either public authorities like B&NES or private entities.
How to Appeal a Parking Fine in Bath & North East Somerset UA
To challenge a PCN in Bath & North East Somerset UA effectively, follow these steps:
- Informal Challenge: Within 28 days of receiving the notice (or 14 for council PCNs to retain the discount), submit an informal challenge directly to the authority or private operator issuing the fine.
- Formal Representation: If your initial appeal is unsuccessful, request formal representation through a Notice to Owner process if dealing with B&NES's PCN.
- Independent Appeal: Finally, you can seek independent review by either the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (for council fines) or POPLA/IAS (private parking fines).
According to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, you can appeal a council parking fine for free through the traffic penalty tribunal
You don't need to hire a claims management company; the entire appeals process is free of charge and accessible without third-party intervention. you retain the right to lodge complaints directly with B&NES at no cost.
By following these guidelines, motorists can deal with the complexities of challenging parking fines in Bath & North East Somerset UA efficiently and effectively, ensuring that they're treated fairly under the law.
Sources
- DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25
- Traffic Penalty Tribunal
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
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