DRIVERS in Somerset have seen a massive 456 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of parking fines issued to them by Somerset Council, according to new data.

According to the new figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, Somerset Council issued 48,478 more parking fines between 2023/2024, compared to 2022/23, according to data analysed by Cinch, the UK’s biggest online used car retailer.

Between August 2022 and August 2023, 10,628 penalty charge notices were issued by Somerset Council.

In comparison, between August 2023 and August 2024, this number skyrocketed to 59,106 penalty charge notices, marking a dramatic 456 per cent increase year-on-year.

On average, 162 fines were issued per day between August 2023 to August 2024, compared to 29 per day during the previous 12 months.

The surge in fines has also led to a significant increase in revenue for the council:

FromAugust 2022 to August 2023, parking fines generated £261,284for Somerset Council.

In the following year (August 2023 to August 2024), this figure soared to £1,390,756, representing a whopping 432 per cent increase from parking fines.

Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, said: "These figures should be a reminder for all drivers to carefully check any nearby signs before parking – especially in busy areas or places they aren’t familiar with. Nobody wants to find a parking fine come through their letterbox.

"Also, if you think the fine is unfair or it’s incorrect, don’t forget you have 28 days to appeal to an independent tribunal.”