Over the past financial year, thousands of motorists in Gloucester have been hit with parking fines in council-owned car parks, generating significant revenue for Gloucester City Council. Between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, the council issued 3,791 penalty charge notices, bringing in over £132,000 in income.
These fines were predominantly issued across popular city centre car parks including Westgate Street, Longsmith Street, Ladybellegate Street, and Hare Lane. The figures came to light after Barton and Tredworth Councillor Sajid Patel requested detailed information from the council.
Councillor Patel asked, “How many fines were issued in council-owned city centre car parks in 2024-25, and what was the total income generated?” While the council did not provide a breakdown per car park, past trends suggest that Longsmith Street multi-storey car park issues the most fines. Additionally, Southgate Street Moorings has been a frequent source of penalty notices, particularly due to overnight charges that have caught visitors from as far as Hong Kong and Coventry off guard.
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Resources Cabinet Member Declan Wilson confirmed the number of fines and the total income in a written response, stating, “A total of 3,791 penalty charge notices were issued, resulting in income of £132,685 if paid at the lower rate.”
Following the disclosure, Cllr Patel called on the council to reconsider its parking charges in light of the ongoing economic challenges faced by residents and local businesses. “With many families and small businesses struggling financially, the council should support them by reducing parking charges to boost footfall in the city centre,” he said.
Cllr Patel also highlighted that these car parks were originally purchased with taxpayers’ money and expressed concern that the heavy fines and parking fees are driving residents away from the city centre. “It comes as no surprise to me that so many Gloucester residents now avoid the city centre altogether,” he added.
The City Council leadership has been contacted for comment.