Wokingham drivers have received fewer parking enforcement notices this year, new research has revealed.
Confused.com has found that more than 16 million parking enforcement notices (PCNs) have been issued since 2022.
In Wokingham Borough, a total of 17,697 PCNs were issued in 2022, and this rose to 26,753 in 2023.
Figures to the start of October 2024 showed a more than 40% year-on-year decline, with 15,762 tickets being issued across the borough.
The decline could be attributed to drivers becoming more accustomed to new parking rules, but could equally be a result of fewer users of the borough’s car parks.
A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council told Wokingham Today: “We now have data for October and November which shows a similar reduction in the number of PCNs compared with last year, but an increase when compared to 2022.
“We can also confirm that all revenue from PCNs is revenue for the council.
“This revenue is used to cover the costs of the service, and any surplus that is made is used in accordance with section 55 of the Road Traffic Act regulations.
“We do not set a target for the number of PCNs issued as this would be contrary to the Traffic Management act.
In 2023 alone, Confused.com estimated that 1 in 8 UK drivers had received a PCN related to parking.
It added that a survey of 2,000 UK drivers found that a third of those who appealed a parking ticket did so because they found the parking sign unclear.
Confused.com has launched a parking sign translator. Here, you can upload an image of the parking sign and it will translate into a simple summary of when you can or can’t park.
Rhydian Jones, car insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “Just like many of our motoring bills, the cost of penalty charge notices (PCNs) is an extra strain on the pockets of drivers.
“Our research found that 3 in 5 (63%) drivers think parking signs should be made clearer to avoid confusion.
“If you’re unsure whether you can park in a space or not, don’t take the risk.
“You should consider parking elsewhere to avoid the risk of getting a fine, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
“And if you do receive a PCN fine, you might be able to challenge the decision if you think it was unfair.
The process may vary depending on your local authority, so it’s important to check this before doing so.”
As a council, we review our budgets regularly as there are many factors that contribute to the operation of our parking and transport service including resident permits, car park income, parking dispensations and suspension costs as well as Penalty Notices.
The average payment rate of a PCN is roughly £30 as the majority of payments received are within the discount period.
Cllr Martin Alder, executive member for active travel, transport and highways:
“The reduction in PCNs this year is a positive indication that our enforcement activity is working, meaning the number of people contravening the regulations has decreased.
“Safety is our number one priority and the increase in PCNs being issued in 2023 was concerning so we are pleased to see that those numbers have come down again this year to similar numbers of PCNs issued in 2022.”
