Guildford’s Car Parking Profit Rises by 10 Per Cent

Published on: 28 Nov, 2017
Updated on: 28 Nov, 2017

A motorist pays to park in North Street

Profit from Guildford’s car parks rose by around 10% in the 2015-16 financial year according to figures reported yesterday (Novenmber 27, 2017) by the transport policy and research organisation the RAC Foundation. The car parks are operated by Guildford Borough Council (GBC).

The percentage increase is in line with the overall 9% increase nationally. The surplus of £7,298,000 ranks Guildford 22nd in the table of English local authorities and 8th highest of those outside London. This places Guildford above cities such as Newcastle, Bath and Canterbury and the nearer towns of Croydon, Kingston and Windsor. The Woking surplus was £4,830,000 and Waverley £3,123,000.

As usual, the largest surpluses are seen in the London boroughs. Westminster had the largest, £56 million. Outside London the biggest surplus was reported by Brighton & Hove, £20 million.

The figures obtained by the foundation are collected by the Department for Communities & Local Government from returns made by the individual local authorities.

Steve Golding, director of the RAC Foundation said: “These numbers might seem eye-wateringly large, but in part they reflect the growing competition for space in many of our towns and cities.

“In 1995 there were only 21.4 million cars on Britain’s roads. Today there are 30.7 million.

“Parking charges are one of the tools councils use to keep traffic moving whilst also allowing people reasonable and affordable access to high street shops and other facilities.

“The good news is that any profit generated by councils from on-street parking must by law be spent on transport related activities, and as every motorist knows there is no shortage of work that needs doing.”

In Guildford surpluses from on-street parking subsidise the Park & Ride schemes. Car park charges in Guildford last rose in 2015.