Portsmouth UA collected £4.5 million in parking surplus during 2024-25, including £9.0 million from penalty charge notices (PCNs). Data source: DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25.
on 09 April 2026
Portsmouth Unitary Authority (UA) generates a notable parking income of £12.9 million, resulting in a surplus of £4.5 million according to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25. This surplus ranks Portsmouth UA at position 63 out of 282 councils across England. A significant portion of this income, specifically £9.0 million, comes from Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), which represent nearly three-quarters of the total parking revenue.
How Much Does Portsmouth UA Make from Parking?
Portsmouth Unitary Authority (UA) generates a notable parking income that includes both on-street and off-street components. The breakdown reveals that £9.6 million is derived from on-street parking, while off-street parking contributes £3.3 million to the total revenue of £12.9 million. Out of this total, £9.0 million comes directly from PCN income, which represents approximately 70% of Portsmouth UA's overall parking revenues.
How Does Portsmouth UA Compare to Other Councils?
Portsmouth Unitary Authority (UA) ranks at position 63 out of 282 councils when it comes to generating a parking surplus. This places Portsmouth UA in the upper-middle tier, considering that top-performing councils generate over ten times more income than the average council, which is £4.05 million compared to their £12.9 million surplus.
What Are Your Rights When You Get a Parking Fine in Portsmouth UA?
When you receive a parking fine from either Portsmouth Unitary Authority (UA) or a private operator, it's important to understand your rights and the distinctions between council and private PCNs. Council PCNs issued by Portsmouth UA allow for an informal challenge within 14 days where a discount of up to 50% can be applied if the appeal is successful. Following this period, you have the option to make a formal representation after receiving a Notice to Owner, and failing that, you may proceed to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
For private PCNs issued by off-street operators like NCP or Q-Park, your options for contesting the charge are through POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) if the operator is a member of the British Parking Association or IPOPA (Institute of Parking), or IAS (Independent Appeals Service) for other private parking companies. under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, there are specific rules regarding keeper liability, which can provide some leeway in disputing fines based on who was driving at the time of the alleged violation.
According to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, portsmouth ua generated a parking surplus of £4.5 million in 2024-25
How to Appeal a Parking Fine in Portsmouth UA
If you receive a parking fine from Portsmouth Unitary Authority (UA), your first step should be an informal challenge within 28 days. For council PCNs, this period is shortened to 14 days during which you can request a discount of up to 50% if the appeal is successful. Following this initial phase, a formal representation must be made after receiving a Notice to Owner.
Should your case not be resolved through these steps, an independent appeal is the next option: for council PCNs, this would involve appealing at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, while private parking fines can be appealed to POPLA or IAS depending on the operator's trade body. you have the right to complain directly to Portsmouth UA free of charge should issues arise with the process or outcomes.
You don't need a claims management company; the appeal process is designed for individuals and doesn't require professional intermediaries.
Sources
- DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25
- Traffic Penalty Tribunal
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
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