Bromley Council is facing a significant overspend in its parking services, with projections nearing £730,000, according to the latest budget monitoring report.
The overspend is primarily attributed to shortfalls in parking fees and enforcement revenue, according to the Q1 Budget Monitoring 2025-26 ECS PDS report presented at a recent Environment and Community Services Portfolio Briefing.
Specifically, the report identifies a £139,000 deficit in parking fees and a substantial £995,000 overspend in parking enforcement. These are partially offset by positive variances in permit parking (-£44,000) and parking administration (-£363,000).
Parking tariffs increased in April, with an approximate 10% rise after a two-year freeze. Charging was also introduced on Sundays and evenings in all chargeable car parks where it wasn't already in place. Despite these measures, a deficit is still projected due to a steady decrease in the number of vehicles being parked in car parks and on street, with an average decrease in usage each year of about 2.5%.
The report also notes that PCN charges increased in London on 7 April 2025. While there has been a small decrease of 240 fewer PCNs issued in Q1 compared to last year, the increased charges have resulted in a projected income increase of £400,000. However, this increase is not enough to offset the overall enforcement overspend of £995k. The report notes, This change has resulted in an increase in projected PCN income of £400k, despite fewer PCNs being issued...These cost increases have resulted in a similar position being reported to Q4 2024/25 with a underachievement of £995k being projected for 2025/26.
Rising contract costs and CCTV maintenance have contributed to the overall enforcement overspend. The parking enforcement overspend is attributed to an increase in contract cost of approximately £200k due to inflation and contract variations, as well as an increase in the CCTV maintenance costs.