Somerset Council has disclosed the car parks where motorists are most likely to receive parking fines. These fines, formally known as penalty charge notices (PCNs), cover a range of infractions such as overstaying in pay-and-display areas or parking on double yellow lines.
According to a recent Freedom of Information request, the income from PCNs in Somerset has surged dramatically—from nearly £780,000 in 2020/21 to over £1.5 million in 2025/26. Despite this rise, the council does not anticipate a further significant increase in fine income in the near future.
Standard PCNs usually cost £50 for minor offences, such as exceeding a time limit or failing to pay for parking. More serious breaches, including driving through bus gates or parking on single or double yellow lines, carry fines of £70. Drivers can benefit from a 50% discount if they pay within 14 days, reducing these fines to £25 and £35 respectively.
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The top ten Somerset car parks generating the most fines in 2025/26 have been identified, highlighting areas where drivers should exercise extra caution.
Somerset Council emphasizes that all funds raised from parking fines are reinvested solely into parking services and related infrastructure. They are expressly prohibited from using this revenue for social care or other non-parking related services. A spokesperson explained:
“Any surplus from parking penalties and charges covers the costs of running parking services and fulfilling parking-related obligations. Remaining funds are allocated to public transport, road and highway improvements, parking provision, and local environmental enhancements, in compliance with the Traffic Management Act 2004 and Section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.”
The council maintains that penalty charge notice volumes are expected to remain stable, with no increases planned in their medium-term financial strategy.