Interesting piece from the Daily Telegraph last week:

Rising parking fees across the UK are becoming a major concern for shoppers, businesses, and motoring groups alike. The AA has warned that exorbitant parking charges—often exceeding £5 for a short shopping trip—are discouraging visitors from high streets, accelerating their decline. With councils profiting nearly £1 billion from parking-related activities in 2022-23, and charges reaching as high as £20 in some locations, many drivers are opting out altogether. This growing financial burden, alongside penalties for minor infractions, is raising questions about whether high parking costs are an effective revenue stream or a deterrent that risks emptying town centres.