The Borough of Broxbourne Council saw its parking enforcement operations run at a deficit of £412,462 during the 2024/25 period, despite issuing over 30,000 fines. While the council generated £930,734 in income from these notices, the total cost to run the service reached £1,343,196, leaving residents questioning the financial value of the current system.
The Annual Parking Service Report 2024/25, which was reviewed by the council’s Scrutiny Committee, highlights that 30,662 penalty notices were issued across the borough’s three town centres: Cheshunt, Hoddesdon, and Waltham Cross. This represents a 16% increase in fines since the 2022/23 period.
The largest single expense for the service is staffing, with employee-related costs totalling £806,173. The council employs a team of Civil Enforcement Officers who patrol these high-traffic areas seven days a week to monitor parking restrictions.
The report also noted that 3,458 fines were cancelled throughout the year, accounting for 11.3% of all tickets issued. Of these cancellations, 42% were rescinded because drivers produced valid pay and display tickets or proof of booking, while 18% were overturned after motorists provided valid blue badges or permits.
Fines in the area are currently set at two levels: a higher band of £70, which is reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days, and a lower band of £50, reduced to £25 if paid within the same timeframe.
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