Medway Council made £5m in surplus parking charges last year, a survey has revealed.

The 65% increase on the previous year means the authority received the highest increase in profits from on and off-street parking fees and charges in the country.

The league table has been compiled by the RAC Foundation which found that the total income from parking in England in 2017-18 exceeded £1.6billion, 5% higher than in 2016-17.

Ruth Du Lieu, the council’s assistant director of frontline services, defended the cash bonus.

She said: “We have 55 council-owned car parks across Medway with a growing population of 276,000 residents. We also welcome millions of visitors every year.

“There has been an increase in the amount of revenue we receive from car parking charges as before 2017 our parking fees were frozen for seven years.

“We brought our charges more in-line with neighbouring authorities, however, they have remained amongst the cheapest in the county.

“Medway also provides more choice of council-owned car parks than in neighbouring areas.

“In 2016 we opened a new multi-storey car park in Rochester, and we spend around half a million pounds each year to maintain our other car parks.

“The revenue we receive from parking charges is reinvested into Medway’s roads and used for highways improvements.

“We brought our charges more in-line with neighbouring authorities, however, they have remained amongst the cheapest in the county..." - Ruth Du Lieu, Medway Council

“We have a dedicated highways team in Medway, which works throughout the year to maintain 519 miles of roads.

“They also repair potholes and deliver planned resurfacing works for roads and pavements every year.

“Since April 2018 we have repaired 7,771 carriageway defects, including potholes.

“We are committed to continuously improving the condition of our roads to keep Medway moving.

“Our pay and display car parking charges have also been frozen for 2018/19.”

However, Cllr Vince Maple, Labour group leader, was less impressed and accused the Conservative-run council of using motorists as a “cash cow”.

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