Thousands Hit with Parking Fines in Gloucester as Council Reveals Profits, Sparking Calls to Cut Fees

Over the last financial year, thousands of drivers faced parking fines in Gloucester’s council-owned car parks, generating significant revenue for Gloucester City Council. From April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the council issued 3,791 penalty charge notices, bringing in over £132,000 in income from fines alone.

These penalties were primarily handed out in council-operated car parks such as Westgate Street, Longsmith Street, Ladybellegate Street, and Hare Lane. The information came to light after Sajid Patel, councillor for Barton and Tredworth, requested detailed data from the city cabinet on the number and value of parking fines issued during the year.

While Councillor Patel sought a breakdown of fines per individual car park, the council did not provide this specific information. Historically, the Longsmith Street multi-storey car park has seen the highest volume of fines, with Southgate Street Moorings also a common spot for penalty notices—particularly due to overnight charges that have caught out visitors from places as far as Hong Kong and Coventry.

Declan Wilson, the council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, confirmed in his official response that the fines contributed £132,685 to council coffers at the lower payment rate.

Following the disclosure, Councillor Patel criticized the council’s approach, urging a reduction in parking charges to boost city centre footfall. “In today’s challenging economic climate, many families and local businesses are struggling. The council should support residents and small businesses by lowering parking fees rather than profiting over £3.6 million in parking charges and fines,” he argued.

He also highlighted that these car parks were initially purchased using taxpayers’ money and expressed concern that the high cost of parking is driving residents away from Gloucester’s city centre.

Gloucester City Council leadership has been contacted for comment on the issue.