Local councils in Cambridge and the wider East of England have been accused of exploiting motorists as a “cash cow” through steep parking charges, according to a prominent councillor speaking to BBC Politics East.
Analysis of government data reveals that East of England councils collectively earned £38m in profit from on-street and off-street parking in 2024-25, up from £36m in 2021-22. Cambridgeshire County Council was among the 20 councils in the region each making over £1m from parking fees.
Richard Rout, a Conservative cabinet member at Suffolk County Council, criticized the rising costs, stating, “We must stop treating motorists as the enemy and encourage more people to visit our high streets.” He highlighted a 20% parking fee hike in one Bury St Edmunds car park as unacceptable.
Councils, however, defend the charges, saying the revenue funds essential services like road maintenance, public transport, and sustainable travel initiatives.
Elisa Meschini, Labour group leader on Cambridgeshire County Council, explained the financial pressures councils face: “With government funding cut by 80%, we need to generate income. Parking infrastructure in places like Cambridge, where spaces are limited, is costly to maintain, and charges help manage demand and turnover.”
Nationally, councils in England amassed £1.2bn from parking charges, according to Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA. He argued that many councils disproportionately burden low-income drivers, saying, “Too many authorities find new ways to extract money from motorists, often those commuting for work.”
Robin Hunter-Clarke, Reform UK councillor on Breckland Council, where parking is free, emphasized the importance of affordable parking to support high streets: “High parking costs are immoral and deter people from visiting local businesses.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said, “Parking enforcement ensures road safety and smooth traffic flow, but fines must be fair. We’re reviewing evidence on current penalty levels and will respond soon.”
Cambridgeshire County Council noted that its parking revenue is reinvested into transport-related services, including road safety and public transport improvements. A spokesperson for West Suffolk Council, which operates in the Cambridge area, clarified, “No council profits from services. Revenue is reinvested to maintain safe, high-quality car parks, all independently assessed.”
Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, which earned £6.8m from parking, said the funds address wear and tear from seven million annual visitors and support a £6m road maintenance budget.
In Cambridge, where parking spaces are scarce, charges are seen as a tool to regulate demand and ensure turnover, according to council officials. However, critics argue that the high costs risk alienating drivers and harming local businesses.