The streets in Cardiff with the highest number of parking fines have been unveiled through new data. According to a response to a freedom of information request, King Edward VII Avenue, Windsor Place, and City Road recorded the highest number of fines issued in the past year. The data also reveals how much money the council has collected from fines over the last five years. Parking fines, also known as penalty charge notices (PCNs), can be issued through various means, including officers on patrol, CCTV cameras, or mobile enforcement vehicles.
King Edward VII Avenue, situated in the Cathays area near the city centre, topped the list with a total of 2,000 PCNs issued between November 2023 and October 2024. The fines issued on this street amounted to £131,620, with £56,609.20 received by the council. Windsor Place, also in the city centre, followed closely behind with 1,964 PCNs issued during the same period, totalling £132,140 in fines, of which £55,473.93 was collected. City Road in the Roath area secured the third position with 1,453 PCNs issued and fines amounting to £98,510.00, of which £43,401.26 was received.
Interestingly, the trend of increasing fines and collections continues year on year. The council typically receives around half of the total value of fines issued, potentially as a result of the 50% discount offered for early payment within two weeks. The total monetary value of fines in Cardiff has risen by nearly 45% in the last five years, from £2,633,150 in November 2019 to October 2020, to £5,946,890 in the most recent period. Over the same timeframe, the total amount received from fines increased by approximately 50%, highlighting the significant revenue generated through parking fines.
A spokesperson from Cardiff Council addressed the issue, stating that complaints regarding vehicles parked in contravention of restrictions are received daily. The Council issues PCNs where clear evidence of parking violations is observed based on road markings and signage in place. Funds generated from parking charges beyond operational costs are allocated to a parking reserve account. This money is used to support public transport services, off-street parking, and highway improvements, aligning with the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984.
The streets in Cardiff where fines are most prevalent represent areas of high traffic and parking demand, resulting in a concentration of enforcement activities. The steady increase in both fines issued and collections reflects the ongoing challenge of managing parking violations in a busy city centre. As technology advances, enforcement methods are likely to become more efficient, ensuring better compliance with parking regulations and contributing to overall traffic management in Cardiff.
The council’s use of surplus parking income to enhance infrastructure and transportation services underscores the broader benefits of effective parking management for the community. By reinvesting fines into public amenities and transportation initiatives, Cardiff demonstrates a commitment to improving urban mobility and accessibility for residents and visitors alike. The data on parking fines serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible parking behaviours and adherence to regulations to support a smooth and safe traffic environment in the city.