South Hams generates a notable parking surplus of £1.5 million in 2024-25, ranking it 118 out of 282 councils across the UK according to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Revenue Outturn 2024-25 report. The council's income from parking primarily comes from off-street facilities, with a total revenue of £3.8 million and no reported income from on-street parking or penalty charge notices (PCNs). This significant revenue highlights the importance of understanding the specifics of parking fines and charges in South Hams.
on 14 April 2026
How Much Does South Hams Make from Parking?
South Hams generates a notable parking surplus of £1.5 million, with off-street parking income accounting for the entirety of its total parking revenue at £3.8 million. Surprisingly, there's no reported income from on-street parking or PCNs (penalty charge notices), which contrasts sharply with the national average where PCN income often constitutes a substantial portion of total parking revenue.
The breakdown shows that South Hams's parking surplus comes predominantly from off-street facilities, highlighting its reliance on non-on-street sources for generating income. With no reported PCN income, drivers in South Hams may find the process of dealing with parking fines and charges somewhat different compared to other regions where PCNs are a significant source of revenue.
According to the DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, south hams generated a parking surplus of £1.5 million in 2024-25
How Does South Hams Compare to Other Councils?
South Hams ranks 118 out of 282 councils by parking surplus according to DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25, placing it in the upper half of UK councils in terms of parking income. However, context is key: while some top-performing councils generate ten times or more revenue than South Hams does, this figure reflects a unique mix of local conditions and policies.
The national situation shows that while South Hams generates significant parking income without relying on PCNs, other councils often rely heavily on fines to bolster their surplus. This difference highlights the variability in how different regions manage their parking systems and the subsequent impact on motorists' experiences.
What Are Your Rights When You Get a Parking Fine in South Hams?
When you receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) or a private parking charge, you should understand your rights and options for challenging these fines. A council PCN issued by South Hams comes with the standard 14-day period during which you can pay the fine at half price. After this grace period, formal challenges may be made directly to the council, followed by an appeal to a Traffic Penalty Tribunal if unresolved.
In contrast, private parking charges issued by operators such as car parks or shopping centres will have different procedures for resolving disputes. These are usually handled through POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) or IAS (Independent Appeals Service), depending on which trade body the operator belongs to. under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, you may be liable as a vehicle keeper if the registered owner is unknown.
How to Appeal a Parking Fine in South Hams
The process for appealing a parking fine in South Hams begins with an informal challenge within 28 days (or 14 days for council PCNs to maintain the discount). This can often resolve issues without further action. If this fails, formal representation can be made after receiving a Notice to Owner. Independent appeals are possible through either the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for council-issued fines or POPLA/IAS for private operators.
you don't need a claims management company; the appeal process is free and can be initiated directly with your local council. By following these steps, motorists in South Hams can effectively challenge unfair parking fines without incurring additional costs.
According to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, you can appeal a council parking fine for free through the traffic penalty tribunal
Sources
- DLUHC Revenue Outturn 2024-25
- Traffic Penalty Tribunal
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
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