BROMSGROVE District Council made a ‘profit’ of almost half a million pounds from parking charges and fines last year, although the figure dropped by a third from the previous year.

Figures released by the RAC Foundation show the council made a surplus of £442,000 in 2015-16 – a drop of 33 per cent from the previous year of £659,000.

The figures, released on Friday, December 9, are calculated by taking income from parking charges and penalty notices and then deducting running costs.

A council spokesman told the Advertiser: "The figure covers the total income for both on and off street car parking.

"There are many factors behind the dip in profit and it could be as simple as a drop in the number of people using the car parks or the length of time people stay for.

"Free Parking after 7pm has also had a bearing on this due to the reduction in income but most importantly this figure reflects an improved compliance from residents and visitors meaning that less enforcement action is actually needed."

England’s 353 local authorities made a record-high combined ‘profit’ of £756m last year.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "These numbers might seem eye-wateringly large, but in part they reflect the growing competition for space in many of our towns and cities.

"In 1995 there were only 21.4m cars on Britain’s roads, today there are 30.7m.

"Parking charges are one of the tools councils use to keep traffic moving whilst also allowing people reasonable and affordable access to high street shops and other facilities.

"The good news is that any profit generated by councils from on-street parking must by law be spent on transport-related activities, and as every motorist knows there's no shortage of work that needs doing."

Research also shows the council made a surplus of £688,000 in 2011-12, £581,000 in 2012-13, and £587,000 in 2013-14 from parking services.

The money goes back towards paying for enforcement - a service which is provided by Wychavon District Council.