Sunderland Parking fines increase by 51% in the past year (FOI)

Drivers in Sunderland have seen a 51% year-on-year increase in the number of parking fines issued to them by their local council, according to new data analysed by cinch, the UK’s biggest online retailer of used cars.

According to the new figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, Sunderland Council issued 22,332 more parking fines between 2023-2024, compared to 2022-23:

Between April 2022 and March 2023, 14,790 penalty charge notices were issued by Sunderland Council.

In comparison, between April 2023 and March 2024, this number skyrocketed to 22,332 penalty charge notices, marking a dramatic 51% increase year-on-year.
On average, 61 fines were issued per day between April 2023 to the end of March 2024, compared to 41 per day during the previous 12 months.
The surge in fines has also led to a significant increase in revenue for the council:

From April 2022 to the end of March 2023, parking fines generated £460,083.19 for Sunderland Council.

In the following year (April 2023 to March 2024), this figure soared to £510,001.51, representing a 10.8% increase from parking fines.

Dene Street, Silksworth (Bus Lane) emerged as the Sunderland location with the highest number of fines between 2023-24, with 2,453 reported. In the previous reporting period, High Street West held the top spot, with 556 fines issued between April 2022 and March 2023.

Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, commented on the findings:

“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. ”