Cheltenham generates a notable parking surplus of £3.1 million from its off-street parking facilities, ranking it 81st out of 282 councils in the UK when it comes to parking income according to DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25 data.
on 10 April 2026
How Much Does Cheltenham Make from Parking?
Cheltenham Borough Council's total parking surplus stands at £3.1 million, with a significant portion of this revenue coming solely from off-street parking facilities. The council doesn't generate any income from on-street parking or penalty charge notices (PCNs). Specifically, the data shows that Cheltenham earns £4.8 million from off-street parking alone, while on-street parking and PCN income both contribute nothing to this figure.
This breakdown highlights a unique aspect of Cheltenham's revenue model compared to other councils, where many derive significant income from on-street parking charges and fines for violations. In contrast, Cheltenham relies entirely on off-street facilities for its parking-related earnings, with no penalty charge notice income reported. This indicates that the council's parking policies focus more on managing parking spaces rather than generating revenue through enforcement.
According to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, cheltenham generated a parking surplus of £3.1 million in 2024-25
How Does Cheltenham Compare to Other Councils?
Cheltenham ranks 81st out of 282 councils in terms of parking surplus according to DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25 data. This position highlights the fact that while Cheltenham generates a substantial sum from its off-street parking facilities, it falls significantly short compared to the top-performing councils which can generate ten times or more than the average. The national total surplus across all local authorities is £1,144.5 million, with PCN income contributing £739.5 million of this total.
This comparison reveals that while Cheltenham's parking income from off-street facilities is noteworthy, it places the town in a lower tier when considering the broader spectrum of parking revenue generation across England and Wales.
What Are Your Rights When You Get a Parking Fine in Cheltenham?
When you receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) or a private parking charge in Cheltenham, it's important to understand that there are specific procedures for challenging each type. For council PCNs issued by Cheltenham Borough Council, you have the right to an informal challenge within 14 days of receiving the notice, which allows you to pay half the amount and avoid any further interest or charges. formal representation can be made after a Notice to Owner is received, followed by a Traffic Penalty Tribunal appeal if necessary.
For private parking charges, issued typically by private companies rather than Cheltenham Borough Council itself, different rules apply. These cases should be appealed through the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) or Independent Adjudication Service (IAS), depending on which trade body governs the company issuing the charge. under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, if a PCN is issued in Cheltenham, it may also be considered against the vehicle keeper rather than the driver.
How to Appeal a Parking Fine in Cheltenham
If you receive a parking fine in Cheltenham, whether from the council or a private company, there are clear steps you can take. Firstly, for council PCNs, an informal challenge should be made within 14 days to maintain eligibility for a 50% discount. For all other types of parking fines, including those issued by private companies, an initial informal challenge can be filed within 28 days from the date of receipt.
After receiving a Notice to Owner (if applicable), you have the option to make formal representation either directly through the council or via POPLA/IAS for private charges. The final step involves independent appeals: Traffic Penalty Tribunal for Cheltenham Borough Council PCNs and POPLA/IAS for privately issued parking fines.
According to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, you can appeal a council parking fine for free through the traffic penalty tribunal
You should note that you don't need a claims management company; the process is designed to be free of charge, allowing anyone to appeal their parking fine directly without incurring additional costs. This ensures accessibility and fairness in resolving parking disputes in Cheltenham.
By adhering to these guidelines, motorists can effectively challenge unfair or incorrect parking fines while understanding their rights under Cheltenham's specific rules and regulations.
Sources
- DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25
- Traffic Penalty Tribunal
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
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