Figures reveal parking income shortfall

It has emerged that West Berkshire Council's income from parking is £220,000 less than expected this year

FIGURES obtained by Newburytoday.co.uk have revealed a major shortfall in income generated through parking in West Berkshire this year.

It has emerged that West Berkshire Council's income generated from parking for the current financial year is £220,000 less than was expected.

The target level of income from parking, including car park tickets, fines and permits, that was expected for 2010-11 was set at £2.58 million, but it is now predicted that only £2.39 million will be raised.

The setback will place added pressure on the council's highways and transport budget, which must already find £110,000 to cover energy costs for street lighting, and cover a £137,000 overspend of the winter maintenance budget, mainly due of the need to rebuild salt stocks which have been depleted by the recent ice and snow.

These pressures are expected to be partly offset by savings from concessionary fares and on highway maintenance.

However, with all factors taken into account, the highways and transport department would still have overspent by £104,000 this year.

District councillor Jeff Brooks (Lib Dem, Thatcham West), said the shortfall in parking income is a result of the downturn in the economy, which has led to fewer people driving into town to shop, and thus fewer parking tickets being issued.

He also said there had also been a reduction in the number of civil enforcement officers since they were introduced two years ago.

West Berkshire Council spokeswoman Peta Stoddart-Crompton acknowledged the shortfall, but said that the forecasts were made before the economic downturn: “The target is set using historical annual data and was exceeded in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007.

“However, when the recession started to bite in 08/09 the target became less achievable and will now be adjusted to reflect the economic shift.”

She did however say that the income from parking is higher now than it was in previous years. “Parking revenue in West Berkshire is in fact up and has been increasing steadily.”