Parking profits rise to record levels for West Berkshire Council

Figures also reveal one in five parking fines are cancelled

CASH-STRAPPED West Berkshire Council saw profits from parking rise to record levels last year – despite spending more on its parking activities and a drop in the number of fines paid.

According to new council figures the rise in profits is the result of an increase in revenue from car park ticket sales, meaning the authority had a surplus of more than £1.2m in 2014/15.

The figures also reveal that almost one in five parking fines end up being scrapped with 18 per cent of Penalty Charge Notices in the district being cancelled since 2010.

West Berkshire Council spokesman Martin Dunscombe said: “The number of cancellations depends on the validity of the reasons put forward by the motorist appealing the charge.

“We’ll always take a reasonable approach and will exercise our discretion when the circumstances put forward in appeals justify cancellation.”

The council say that all profits from parking must be re-invested in other highways schemes.

For more reaction to the council’s parking profits and much more see this week’s Newbury Weekly News - out today!