The Isle of Wight Council has generated more than £711,000 from residential parking permits in just under 2-and-a-half years, with some motorists paying as much as £318 annually for the privilege of parking near their homes.
New figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request by online car retailer, cinch, reveal that County Hall issued 6,172 residential parking permits between January 2024 and May 2026, generating a total of £711,211.40.
The number of permits issued increased by 5.7% between 2024 and 2025, rising from 2,455 to 2,596.
Revenue also climbed by 4.6%, with the council collecting £283,564.80 during 2024, compared with £296,543.60 in 2025.
A further £131,103 was generated from 1,121 permits issued during the first 5 months of 2026.
However, the amount residents pay varies considerably depending on whether they require an on-street permit or a space in a council car park.
A standard first residential on-street parking permit costs £72 annually, with a second permit priced at £100.
Those requiring residential car park permits face considerably higher charges, paying £238.80 for a first permit and £318 for a second.
This means a household requiring 2 car park permits could face an annual bill of £556.80, compared with £172 for 2 on-street permits.
Despite the difference in charges, the council has confirmed that residential parking permit prices have remained unchanged throughout the period covered by the Freedom of Information request.
The cost of a first on-street residential permit has increased by £32 since the scheme was introduced 23 years ago in 2003.
Local authorities are not permitted to set on-street parking charges primarily for the purpose of generating revenue.
Residential parking schemes on the Isle of Wight are subject to public consultation and are only introduced where a majority of residents support their implementation.
