By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Thousands of people were hit with fines in Gloucester’s council-owned car parks over the last financial year.
The penalty charge notices issued by Gloucester City Council brought in an income of more than £132,000 between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025.
These fines are likely to have been issued in council owned car parks such as Westgate Street, Longsmith Street, Ladybellegate Street Car Park or those in Hare Lane.
The latest figures were made public after Barton and Tredworth Councillor Sajid Patel asked the cabinet for the information.
He said: “How many fines were issued in the city centre city council owned car parks in 2024-25, and what does this amount to in pounds sterling?”
Cllr Patel had also asked for a breakdown of fines per car park. However, this was not released by the council.
In previous years, Longsmith Street multi[storey car park has been the place where most fines were issued.
Many people have also been caught out at Southgate Street Moorings.
A particular issue there is the overnight charge with visitors from as far a and near as Hong Kong and Coventry previously being hit with fines.
Resources cabinet member Declan Wilson (LD, Hucclecote) said in his written response to Cllr Patel’s question that the fines amount to an income of more than £132,000 for the council.
“A total of 3,791 penalty charge notices were issued from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 which represents income of £132,685 if paid at the lower rate.”
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Patel said the council should reduce parking charges to encourage more footfall in the city centre.
“In the current economic climate when so many families are struggling to make ends meet, including the many small independent business owners in the city centre, surely the council should be supporting the residents and businesses by reducing parking charges to encourage increased footfall into the city centre, not just pocketing over £3.6 million pounds in parking charges and fines,” he said.
“Let’s not forget that these car parks were purchased from the tax payers money in the first place. It comes as no surprise to me that so many residents of Gloucester avoid the city centre these days.”
The City Council leadership has been approached for comment.