More parking fines were issued by Durham County Council in 2024 than the previous year, according to research.

The data, analysed by Cinch, the UK's largest online retailer of used cars, reveals a 26.3 per cent increase in fines.

A Freedom of Information request showed that between August 2023 and July 2024, 39,164 parking fines were issued, compared to 31,004 in the same period the previous year.

This equates to an average of 107 fines per day.

An increase in fines has also led to a rise in revenue for the council with parking fines generating £947,083 for Durham County Council between August 2023 and July 2024, a 7.2 per cent increase from the £883,407 generated in the previous year.

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. And, if it is correct, you might be able to reduce the fine by paying sooner rather than later."

Most read

Get the most out of your local news with The Northern Echo Subscribe now and enjoy access for the whole of 2025 for only £25 or enjoy your first six months for £6. Don’t miss out on our biggest sale of the year.

Dave Lewin, Durham County Council’s strategic traffic manager, said: "Enforcement staff prioritise the most serious parking offences, such as those that compromise road safety and the misuse of designated bays, including those for people with disabilities.

"We have increased enforcement in certain areas, such as Durham Market Place, following safety concerns being raised by members of the public.

"All money raised through parking charges is used to maintain transport and infrastructure across County Durham, including subsidising bus services and improving facilities for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists.

"We would encourage as many people as possible to choose these sustainable methods of transport.

"And, where people do decide to drive, we would ask that they carefully follow signs and any other guidance to avoid being issued a fine."