Oldham's modest parking surplus of £179,000 places it at number 232 out of 282 councils in England. The data from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Revenue Outturn 2024-25 reveals that Oldham makes a modest profit mainly through parking fines and charges. With total parking income amounting to £2.5 million and expenditures at £2.4 million, Oldham's financial model for its parking services is clearly focused on revenue generation.
on 14 April 2026
How Much Does Oldham Make from Parking?
Oldham's parking surplus of £179,000 stems primarily from a mix of on-street and off-street income. The breakdown shows that the council generates £1 million from on-street parking and £1.5 million from off-street parking facilities. These figures highlight Oldham's reliance on both public and private parking assets to maintain its financial health.
Penalty charge notices (PCNs) contribute significantly to this income, bringing in £903,000 annually. This represents approximately 36% of the total parking revenue for Oldham, indicating that fines are a critical component of their financial strategy. The on-street and off-street parking revenues together account for the remaining portion of the council's parking income.
According to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, oldham generated a parking surplus of £179,000 in 2024-25
How Does Oldham Compare to Other Councils?
Ranked at number 232 out of 282 councils in England by parking surplus, Oldham's modest profit is reflective of its financial management. The national context shows that some top-performing councils generate over £10 million annually from parking fines and charges, which is more than ten times the average for local authorities.
This ranking places Oldham below the majority of other councils but above those with negative surpluses or minimal surplus figures. While there's a wide disparity among council performance in this area, it highlights that Oldham's approach to parking management is balanced rather than aggressive or punitive compared to some higher-ranking councils.
What Are Your Rights When You Get a Parking Fine in Oldham?
When you receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) from the council, your rights are well-defined and straightforward. It's important to distinguish between council PCNs issued by Oldham itself and private parking charges imposed by commercial operators. Council PCNs operate under different rules compared to those issued by private companies.
For council PCNs in Oldham, you have a 14-day period during which you can pay the charge reduced by 50%. After this initial discount window, you may still formally challenge the notice and pursue an appeal through the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. These steps allow for thorough examination of your case based on evidence and legal standards.
In contrast, private parking charges must be addressed via either POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) or IAS (Independent Assessment Service), depending on which trade body governs the operator responsible for issuing the charge. These services offer independent assessments to ensure fairness in dispute resolution processes.
The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 sets out rules regarding keeper liability, ensuring that those affected by parking fines can pursue their rights effectively within legal frameworks established by Parliament and local councils like Oldham.
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 Oldham
When you receive a parking fine in Oldham, the first step is to informally challenge it within 28 days. If this initial attempt at resolution fails or if your case pertains to a council PCN, you have an additional opportunity for formal representation after receiving a Notice to Owner.
Following these initial stages, you can proceed with an independent appeal through either the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (for council-issued fines) or POPLA/IAS (for private operators). It's important to note that these processes are free of charge; you don't need to hire claims management companies for assistance. Direct complaints to your local authority are also available at no cost, providing accessible avenues for addressing parking fine disputes.
By understanding and using the outlined procedures, residents and visitors can effectively challenge unjust or erroneous parking fines in Oldham without financial burden or reliance on paid intermediaries.
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
---
MLJ.org.uk (mlj.org.uk) is a free, independent information service. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not handle complaints, process claims, charge fees, or accept any percentage of compensation. This information does not constitute legal or financial advice. You can complain to your lender directly for free. You do not need a claims management company. If your lender rejects your complaint, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service at no cost. For personalised legal or financial advice, consult a qualified professional.