Blackburn with Darwen UA collected £501,000 in parking surplus during 2024-25, including £764,000 from penalty charge notices (PCNs). Data source: DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25.
on 14 April 2026
Blackburn with Darwen Unitary Authority (UA) runs a modest parking surplus of £501,000 in the financial year ending March 2024. Ranked 190 out of 282 councils by this measure, Blackburn with Darwen UA is one of many local authorities that generate income from parking charges and penalties. According to DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25 data, the council's total parking income stands at £2.4 million, while its expenditure on parking services amounts to £1.9 million.
How Much Does Blackburn with Darwen UA Make from Parking?
Blackburn with Darwen UA generates a modest surplus of £501,000 in parking operations during the financial year ending March 2024. This is derived primarily from a total parking income of £2.4 million, which is split between on-street and off-street parking revenues.
On-street parking contributes £764,000 to this figure, reflecting fees collected from residents and visitors who park in designated public spaces within Blackburn with Darwen UA. Off-street parking generates a significantly higher income of £1.7 million, likely due to the presence of commercial car parks managed by the council or private operators.
The income generated from Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for parking violations totals £764,000. This represents approximately 32% of the total parking income. The high proportion of PCN income highlights the importance of enforcement activities in generating revenue within Blackburn with Darwen UA.
How Does Blackburn with Darwen UA Compare to Other Councils?
Blackburn with Darwen UA ranks 190 out of 282 councils when it comes to parking surplus, according to DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25. This places the council in the lower half nationally, indicating that its parking operations are relatively less profitable compared to other local authorities.
The top-performing councils can generate over £1 million more than Blackburn with Darwen UA's £501,000 surplus annually. For instance, some of the highest-ranking councils have surpluses ranging from £3 million to £6 million. This disparity highlights the varying scales at which different local authorities operate within their respective regions.
What Are Your Rights When You Get a Parking Fine in Blackburn with Darwen UA?
When you receive a parking fine in Blackburn with Darwen UA, it's important to understand whether the penalty comes from the council itself or a private operator. Council PCNs are governed by specific rules that differ from those of private parking charges.
If the fine is issued by Blackburn with Darwen UA, you have the right to challenge the PCN within 14 days for a potential discount of up to 50%. After this period, you can submit formal representation against the notice. If your challenge fails, you may appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT). This body provides an independent review and can overturn or reduce penalties.
According to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, blackburn with darwen ua generated a parking surplus of £501,000 in 2024-25
For parking fines issued by private operators within Blackburn with Darwen UA, you should follow the procedures set out by the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) scheme if the operator is a member of the British Parking Association (BPA), or the Independent Appeals Service (IAS) for other trade bodies. These appeals aim to ensure that fines are justified and proportionate.
Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, the liability for parking charges rests with the registered keeper of the vehicle rather than the driver. This means that even if you weren't driving the car when it was parked illegally, you could still be held responsible unless you can prove otherwise.
How to Appeal a Parking Fine in Blackburn with Darwen UA
To appeal a parking fine in Blackburn with Darwen UA, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Informally challenge the PCN within 28 days or, for council fines, 14 days to maintain eligibility for the discount.
- Step 2: After receiving a Notice to Owner from the council (if applicable), submit formal representation.
- Step 3: If your appeal fails at these stages, you can pursue an independent review through the Traffic Penalty Tribunal if it's a council fine or POPLA/IAS for private fines.
You don't need to hire a claims management company; the entire appeals process is free of charge. you have the right to complain directly to Blackburn with Darwen UA without incurring any costs.
By following these steps and understanding your rights, residents and visitors can effectively challenge unjustified parking penalties issued within Blackburn with Darwen UA.
Sources
- DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25
- Traffic Penalty Tribunal
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
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