Shropshire Star

Pledge that Powys County Council car parking profits will go on services

Cash-strapped Powys County Council, which last year made a profit of more than £300,000 from motorists, says it will plough the money back into services.

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The county council generated income of £1.2 million from parking fees and charges in 2012/13 and a profit of £358,000.

The council said it will use the money to maintain car parks, highways and transport.

Councillor John Powell, cabinet member for highways, said: "Powys County Council provides off-street car parking in towns across the county and manage both on-street and off-street parking enforcement. Any surpluses generated from car parking-related charges are used to help fund council services including maintaining local car parking, highways and transport improvements.

"In 2012/13 the income generated amounted to £1,000,628 – this was a combination of pay and display and season tickets and penalty charges. The on-street penalty charge notices were £105,020 and off-street penalty charge notices £82,524."

The RAC Foundation, which collected the statistics, said across the country's 22 local authorities, there had been an £8.7million surplus last year.

The motoring charity's study also showed only five county councils in Wales recorded a deficit on their parking activities and 11 have seen their profits rise on the previous financial year.

The RAC Foundation figures showed across the board parking is worth £30.4 million to Welsh councils – while running costs totalled £21.7 million. Cardiff Council was at the top of the table after its charges generated £6.2 million in revenue.

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