A study by the RAC Foundation of the revenue Councils make from on-street parking permits, off-street parking charges and parking penalties in 2011-12 found that Sutton had the smallest net revenue of any London Borough Council in south London except Bexley.

Sutton ranked 92 in the listing produced by the Foundation. Bexley, ranked 93, was just below Sutton. All other London Boroughs in south London came above Sutton, with higher net revenue figures.

The study, based on annual returns to the Department of Communities and Local Government, examined gross figures for revenue offset against the cost of running parking operations (excluding capital costs).

Richard said “While I have criticisms of the value of this study in terms of the way statistics are used, the study is consistent with something we already knew. Parking charges in Sutton are very reasonable to the motorist and to local residents.”