SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is making more money than originally predicted from its car parks in Staple Hill, new figures show.
Usage and income data from the four car parks where charges were introduced last May, shared with traders in February, show that the authority expects to make £98,026 from current financial year – about £6,300 more than originally budgeted.
The amount collected at each car park varies wildly from the predictions, with the Page Road short stay car park forecast to bring in £23,407 – more than £8,000 above the initial prediction – and the Page Road/Kendall Road car park forecast to make £38,298 – around £13,400 more than originally expected.
However, two car parks where long-stay charges are in force, at Byron Place opposite Tesco and Haynes Lane, are performing below the council’s expectations, with Byron Place expected to bring in £28,221 by the start of April, about £7,000 less than budgeted, and Haynes Lane forecast to bring in £8,099 – less than half the £16,273 originally budgeted.
The Voice reported last month that the council’s overall income from charges at 22 of its car parks, is forecast at £557,000 for the 2025-26 financial year – about 30% below the £800,000 target.
The council now forecasts its Kings Chase long stay and short stay car parks, serving the Kingswood shopping centre, will both bring in more money from drivers than originally expected.
However a spokesperson said that precise usage of the car parks was not recorded before charges were introduced, so it is not possible to compare current numbers with last year.
Traders in Staple Hill say business is down by up to 40% since the charges were introduced last May.
The council said: “Crucially, the revenues we have generated are able to relieve some of the ongoing pressure on our budgets.”
A further report on the charges will be published after the end of the financial year.