Havering Borough Council generates a notable surplus of £6.4 million from parking charges, ranking it at number 43 out of 282 councils in the UK according to DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25 data. The vast majority of this income-over 90%-comes directly from penalty charge notices (PCNs), with on-street parking accounting for £16.4 million and off-street parking making up a smaller portion at £1.7 million.
on 09 April 2026
How Much Does Havering Make from Parking?
Havering Borough Council's total parking income stands at £18.0 million, which is largely attributed to the £13.9 million in PCN revenue collected annually. This substantial figure represents approximately 77% of the council's overall parking income, highlighting the significant role that parking fines play in generating funds for Havering.
The breakdown between on-street and off-street parking income reveals a stark disparity: on-street parking brings in £16.4 million, while off-street parking contributes only £1.7 million. This indicates that Havering relies heavily on on-street spaces to generate revenue, with more than 85% of its total parking income coming from this source.
According to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, havering generated a parking surplus of £6.4 million in 2024-25
How Does Havering Compare to Other Councils?
Havering Borough Council ranks at number 43 out of 282 councils in the UK when it comes to generating a parking surplus. This places it well within the top third of all local authorities, demonstrating that Havering is quite successful in this area compared to many other boroughs.
However, there are significant differences among councils when considering their parking surpluses and PCN incomes. The top-performing councils can generate 10 times or more income from parking charges than the national average. In comparison, Havering's performance, while commendable, is part of a broader spectrum where some local authorities collect far less in fines compared to others.
What Are Your Rights When You Get a Parking Fine in Havering?
When you receive a parking fine (PCN) in Havering, it's important to understand whether the charge comes from the council itself or a private operator. Council PCNs and private charges have different rules and processes for handling disputes.
For Council PCNs:
- You can challenge informally within 14 days to benefit from a 50% discount.
- If unsuccessful, you may proceed with formal representation after receiving a Notice to Owner.
- The final recourse is appealing through the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT).
Private Parking Charges follow these steps:
- Challenge informally or submit an appeal directly with the private operator.
- Depending on the trade body of the operator, you can take your case to either POPLA (Parking On Private Land Appeals) or IAS (Independent Appeal Service).
The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 also sets out rules regarding keeper liability for parking fines. This means that if a vehicle is registered in someone else's name and they receive a PCN, the council may pursue them directly.
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 Havering
If you find yourself facing a parking fine in Havering, there are several steps you can take to contest it:
Step 1: Informally challenge the ticket within 28 days if issued by a private operator or within 14 days for Council PCNs. This is important as it allows you to keep any applicable discount.
Step 2: Once you receive a Notice to Owner from Havering Borough Council, you can formally represent your case and provide additional evidence to support your claim.
Step 3: If unsuccessful at the formal stage, you have the option of taking your appeal to an independent body. For council fines, this would be the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT). Private parking charges may be appealed through POPLA or IAS based on the operator's trade association.
you can complain directly to Havering Borough Council at no cost. there's no need for a claims management company; the appeal process itself is free and accessible to all motorists who feel they have been wrongly penalised.
By understanding these rights and processes, motorists in Havering are better equipped to handle parking fines fairly and efficiently without unnecessary fees or complications.
According to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, private parking charges are contractual invoices, not criminal fines, under schedule 4 of the act
Sources
- DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25
- Traffic Penalty Tribunal
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
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