Freedom of information data obtained from Wokingham Borough Council has identified Market Place as the single location in the borough where drivers were most frequently issued with parking enforcement notices during the 2025/26 financial year. Council records show that 967 notices were served at Market Place, generating £42,935 from that location.
Enforcement across the borough
The FOI response reveals that across the whole borough a total of 29,731 enforcement notices were issued in 2025/26, producing £838,321.21 in income. The reasons for issuing penalties include a range of contraventions such as parking in restricted streets during prescribed hours, using permit bays without a valid permit, parking in bays not designated for that class of vehicle and failing to park within bay markings.
- Parking in a restricted street during prescribed hours
- Parked or loading/unloading where restrictions apply
- Using a permit space without clearly displaying a valid permit
- Parking in a space not designated for that class of vehicle
- Poor bay alignment or misuse of disabled bays without a valid badge
Where the money came from
The Market Place total forms part of the wider enforcement income the council collected in the year. The figures supplied to InfoRadar do not break down how the income was allocated within council budgets, only the gross sum recovered from parking enforcement activity.
| Location | Notices issued | Income generated |
|---|---|---|
| Market Place | 967 | £42,935 |
| Whole borough | 29,731 | £838,321.21 |
Implications for residents and visitors
For motorists, the figures underline the importance of observing local parking restrictions and permit controls, particularly in busy central locations such as Market Place. Repeated or serious contraventions can lead to significant penalties and potential challenges for those who rely on short-term parking for shopping, appointments or deliveries.
From a civic-accountability perspective, the disclosure raises questions about how enforcement is targeted and how income from penalties is used. The FOI response sets out volumes and sums but does not detail enforcement strategy or whether resources are concentrated on particular streets due to operational necessity, safety concerns or revenue potential.
Drivers needing to avoid penalties should consult the council’s published parking regulations and signage before leaving their vehicles. For further clarification on how enforcement revenue is spent or how patrols are scheduled, residents may request additional information from Wokingham Borough Council under FOI rules or through local councillors.
InfoRadar requested comment from the council on the FOI data; any response will be published when received.
