Mole Valley generates a notable parking surplus of £1.7 million in the financial year 2024-25, ranking it 113th out of 282 councils across the country according to DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25 figures. This surplus is significant and helps us look into how Mole Valley's parking income is distributed between on-street and off-street areas, as well as through penalty charge notices (PCNs).
on 14 April 2026
How Much Does Mole Valley Make from Parking?
Mole Valley's total parking income stands at £2.8 million in 2024-25, with a substantial surplus of £1.7 million after accounting for the expenditure of £1.1 million on maintaining and managing its parking infrastructure. The breakdown of this income reveals that off-street parking contributes significantly to the total revenue, amounting to £2.7 million. This is in contrast to on-street parking, which generates a mere £50,000. Meanwhile, PCNs contribute another £50,000 to the overall income.
The disparity between off-street and on-street parking revenues highlights Mole Valley's reliance on managed car parks for generating revenue. Off-street parking charges are likely more controlled and yield higher income compared to on-street metered spaces which may see less frequent usage due to their limited availability or location-specific demands.
According to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, mole valley generated a parking surplus of £1.7 million in 2024-25
How Does Mole Valley Compare to Other Councils?
Mole Valley ranks 113th out of 282 councils in the country based on parking surplus figures. This places it well within the middle range, but significantly below top-performing councils which can generate ten times more surplus revenue or even more. For context, some leading local authorities are able to amass over £5 million in surplus each year from parking activities, a stark contrast to Mole Valley's £1.7 million.
What Are Your Rights When You Get a Parking Fine in Mole Valley?
When you receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) issued by the council or private operators within Mole Valley, it's important to understand your rights and options for challenging these fines. Council PCNs are governed under different rules compared to those issued by private parking companies.
For Mole Valley council-issued PCNs, drivers have a 14-day period during which they can pay a reduced penalty of 50% if the fine is settled within this window. After that, formal challenges can be made, and if unsuccessful, there's an option to appeal at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. On the other hand, private parking charges adhere to different procedures depending on whether the operator belongs to either POPLA or IAS, as specified under their respective trade bodies.
According to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, you can appeal a council parking fine for free through the traffic penalty tribunal
Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, drivers are protected against keeper liability rules, which means that even if a penalty charge notice is sent to an owner rather than the driver, they have rights and options for challenging these fines. This act provides clarity on how parking fines should be managed and enforced by local authorities.
How to Appeal a Parking Fine in Mole Valley
Appealing a parking fine issued in Mole Valley involves several steps. Firstly, drivers can make an informal challenge within 28 days of receiving the notice, or up to 14 days for council PCNs if they wish to maintain their discount opportunity. Following this initial step, formal representation can be sought after receiving a Notice to Owner from the parking authority.
Should these efforts fail to resolve the issue, drivers have an option to pursue independent appeals at either Traffic Penalty Tribunal for Mole Valley Council-issued fines or POPLA/IAS for private company PCNs. It's important to note that direct complaints to your council can also be lodged free of charge, offering another avenue for resolution without incurring additional costs.
According to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, private parking charges are contractual invoices, not criminal fines, under schedule 4 of the act
The process of challenging parking fines is designed to be accessible and cost-free, ensuring that drivers aren't required to engage expensive claims management companies. The appeal mechanisms provided by both Mole Valley Council and private operators are structured to allow individuals to contest penalties effectively on their own or with the assistance of legal advice if necessary.
In summary, while Mole Valley's parking surplus is notable at £1.7 million, it provides a clear framework for drivers to deal with when faced with parking fines, ensuring that rights and options for appeal are readily available and straightforward.
Sources
- DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25
- Traffic Penalty Tribunal
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
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