English councils have made almost £1.2 billion in profits from off-street and on-street parking, according to new Government figures. The data reveals drivers paid £2.338bn to English councils for parking, compared with £2.075bn last year and £1.758bn in 2019-2020. “On-street charges might encourage turnover of spaces and permits were supposed to protect residents’ parking from hogging by outsiders. “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. “In many places, this can serve as a less effective deterrent to unfair, inconsiderate and illegal parking.