English councils extracted £2.338billion from motorists through parking fees during the previous tax year, newly released Government data shows.
Figures from the housing, communities and local government ministry reveal local authorities retained £1.189billion as profit after operational costs.
That marks a rise from £1.043billion the previous year, underscoring the growing reliance on parking income.
Street-side charges and car parks both contributed to the record totals, which highlight how parking fees have become a major income source for councils.
London authorities collected £1.065billion, equating to 46 per cent of England’s entire parking income.
Profit margins were even higher in the capital, where boroughs generated £638million, or 54 per cent of the national total.
The AA criticised the escalating costs, describing them as a tax on drivers.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy, said: "The figures showed the cost of parking had gone from a reasonable charge to a full-on local tax."
English councils extracted £2.338billion from motorists through parking fees during the previous tax year, newly released government data shows
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He warned that the charges hit vulnerable motorists hardest.
"There is next to nothing holding them back. They create new ways and reasons to plunder more money from people with cars, often on low incomes, travelling in for work," Mr Cousens said.
The AA noted that some households were resorting to ripping up gardens to create parking spaces and avoid permit fees.
"Residents feel hostage to permit costs so high that households often rip up their front gardens and turn them into parking," he said.
The AA warned that the charges hit vulnerable motorists hardest
| GOOGLE MAPSThe organisation warned this trend was reshaping suburban neighbourhoods, as front gardens disappeared under concrete.
Mr Cousens added that parking fees had moved away from their original purpose.
"Charges were supposed to cover the cost of providing and enforcing this parking, with some profit from fines and reward for successful parking and commercial policies. Anything above that is tax," he said.
This comes after Labour were accused of launching 'secret war on drivers' after axing LTN and 20mph policies in August.
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The organisation warned this trend was reshaping suburban neighbourhoods, as front gardens disappeared under concrete
|AA
Conservatives have attacked the Government for axing rules aimed at curbing Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph zones.
They claim the decision shows ministers are pursuing anti-motorist policies without consultation.
Labour insists the reforms would have made "no positive difference" for drivers.
The clash highlights how transport policy has become a key battleground in the wider debate over motorists’ rights.